Social Justice and Advocacy
Mahi Mihinare remains unwavering in its dedication to addressing the multifaceted challenges that arise from our service-oriented work. Our commitment extends far beyond the immediate concerns encountered in our daily operations. We actively seek to identify and tackle the deep-seated factors that negatively impact our communities, utilising a research-driven, justice-oriented approach.
Our mission encompasses comprehensive problem-solving, focusing on understanding the systemic and ideological foundations that necessitate community intervention. Through a diligent process of research, rigorous evaluation, and relentless advocacy, we aim to disrupt and transform these underlying systems and beliefs.
Our goal is not simply to mitigate current distress but to instigate lasting change by challenging and reshaping the very structures that perpetuate the need for community intervention. We firmly believe in the power of knowledge, information, and systemic reform to break the cycle of intervention dependence and usher in sustainable, positive transformation. Mahi Mihinare's commitment to justice, evidence, and advocacy is a resolute endeavor to foster a more equitable and fair society for all.
Our Research & Submissions
Research: Food Insecurity in Kirikiriroa
October 2017
In the report Breaking Leftover Bread Kaivolution and Food Insecurity in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, Robert Moore and Alex Bailey interviewed people working in 13 community and social service organisations that receive and redistribute food from Kaivolution. The report reflects the observations of those who participated about the experiences of food insecurity in their communities, the barriers that people have to accessing food, and the role of Kaivolution in redistributing food in their communities.
Submission: Youth Justice Bill
February 2021
This Bill, however, fails to comprehend and respond to the complex and layered challenges facing our rangatahi. There is a critical lack of understanding regarding the context behind youth offending, and the kind of interventions needed to enable rangatahi to thrive.
Research: Community Houses
September 2019
In Stories from Kirikiriroa Hamilton Community Houses (2019), members of the Poverty Action Waikato network interviewed seven community houses and community centres asking a series of questions as prompts to begin to unpack the stories of how each community house has developed over time and how their community has changed with them, how their localness is experienced, and identifying some of the unique value that they add to their community and in some cases have done so for generations.
The stories shared in this report reflect the need for spaces and resources being made available to the community and that doing so has an immense positive impact.
Wairākau
Wairākau, derived from the Māori word for tree sap and compost, represents the vital essence and cycles of change within ecological systems. Our restoration project, Wairākau, undertaken by Mahi Mihinare, embodies this concept as we work towards revitalising the lands surrounding Te Ara Hou.
Recognising that restoring nature goes beyond mere environmental stewardship, we understand that it also helps restore ourselves. By focusing on improving the biodiversity in our own backyard, we aim to reconnect with the natural world and find meaning in our commitment to environmental justice.
Wairākau serves as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. We believe that by engaging in the restoration effort, individuals within our community can experience a profound sense of connection with nature and contribute to positive change.
We not only encourage active participation but also extend our support to those we collaborate with, ensuring that everyone involved has the opportunity to give back. Through Wairākau, we embrace the cycles of change and renewal, fostering a harmonious relationship between human beings and the environment, ultimately benefiting both.
