Jessica Ngamu
MAnaging Director
Our Story
Manaaki Whaanau was established in 2026 from a heartfelt desire to uplift tamariki and support whaanau within our local community.
Founded by local parent Jessica Ngamu, the kaupapa began while her child was attending Te Kauwhata Primary School. Through her own lived experience, Jessica recognised a growing need for an after-school programme that reflected manaakitanga (care and kindness), whanaungatanga (strong relationships), and a deep sense of belonging. Rather than waiting for change, she chose to take the lead and create a safe, nurturing space for our tamariki.
Jessica is working full-time and seeking a new path that aligned with her values. As a mother who had raised children across different stages of life,
from her eldest now in his mid-teens, to a Year 7, Year 4 & Year 1 children. she understood the realities facing today’s whaanau. Organised, committed, and confident in her ability to care for children, Jessica believed that with aroha, determination, and purpose, she could bring her vision to life.
Manaaki Whaanau is grounded in the principles of ako (learning together), kaitiakitanga (care and responsibility), and kotahitanga (unity).
Our programme is designed to be a place where tamariki feel safe, valued, and empowered, and where whaanau feel connected and supported. This is more than an after-school programme, it is a community.
As we continue to grow, our focus remains on nurturing confident tamariki and strengthening whānau, now and into the future.
“Moo ngaa tamariki o Te Kauwhata, moo aapoopoo.”
For the children of Te Kauwhata, for the future.
About us
Ko wai maatou - who are we
At Manaaki Whaanau, we take pride in truly getting to know each child as an individual. Our supervisors and caregivers build strong, trusting relationships and are often aware when a child has had a tough day or needs extra support, your child is never just a number to us.
We genuinely care and take an active interest in their lives, wellbeing, and experiences.
We aim to maintain a ratio of one adult to every ten children in our after school programme, ensuring attentive, responsive care. Manaaki Whaanau is a home away from home, providing a safe and nurturing space that creates a meaningful link between school and whaanau life.
Our Values
We provide a safe, caring, and fun place where tamariki can play, relax, and feel at home while parents and caregivers are at work. Our programme is all about creating happy afternoons, big smiles, and a sense of belonging.
We know how important it is for whaanau to feel confident and at ease. That’s why we focus on taking the stress out of after-school care, offering reassurance that your children are in a supportive, nurturing environment where they are truly cared for.
These values sit at the heart of everything we do and guide how our team supports tamariki and whaanau each day:
WE CARE ABOUT THE KIDS!
1
Manaakitanga
Showing care, respect, and kindness towards others, creating a safe and supportive environment for all tamariki and whaanau.
2
Whanaungatanga
Building positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging within the school and wider community.
3
Kotahitanga
Working together in a spirit of unity and cooperation to support shared goals and positive outcomes for tamariki.
4
Rangatiratanga
Encouraging leadership, independence, responsibility, and confidence in tamariki.
5
Kaitiakitanga
Caring for people, places, and the environment, and taking responsibility for keeping our school and community safe and respected.
“He taonga te tamaiti, he taonga anoo toona ao.” A child is a treasure, and their world is a treasure too.
