Support that helps young people grow their talent, wellbeing and confidence.
We spot potential and help turn it into opportunity.
We work with each athlete to understand what they need to thrive. Sport is the entry point; the deeper work is helping young people grow their confidence, capability and direction.
Our network connects rangatahi with trusted experts across sport health, wellbeing and performance in Waitaha. With the support of funders, that knowledge reaches young people who can use it to shape their future.
Every athlete sits at the centre of a collaborative support team built around their goals, context and needs.
That team can include whānau, schools, coaches, Tātai Whetū staff and specialist experts across nutrition, mental skills, psychology, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, athlete planning, medical care and leadership.
We focus on reaching rangatahi Māori, Pacific peoples and young sportspeople who cannot easily access or fund this level of support. Equity is central to the programme: the right support should not depend on a young person’s postcode, school or family resources.
Don’t hear it from us
We’re incredibly proud of Dormay’s story — and it is a powerful example of what Tātai Whetū Waitaha is here to do.
Through the right support, people and opportunities, Dormay has been able to keep pursuing what she loves, while feeling less alone along the way. Her determination is entirely her own, but her story shows the difference a connected support system can make for athletes navigating the highs and challenges of performance.
We could tell you more. But it means more coming from Dormay herself.
Athletes sit at the heart of everything we do.
We start by getting to know each athlete and the people who matter most in their world. From there, programme leaders identify the support that will make the biggest difference.
Each athlete builds a practical plan that connects them with the right experts at the right time, from psychology and medical support to nutrition, leadership, funding and communications.