Re-integration Services
We respond to community needs and vulnerable whānau who are either in the justice system, exiting the system, or have been deported from overseas
Anga Pae Tata
Reintegration Support Long Servers Service (RSLS)
Te Hokinga Mai Raki
Out of Gate Support Service (OOG)
Anga Pae Tawhiti
Reintegration Service for Returning Tangata (ROO)
Anga Pae Tata
Reintegration Support Long Servers Service (RSLS)
Ngā Ratonga Whare Tautoko
Supported Accommodation Services
Te Pā provides safe and supportive kaupapa Māori accommodation in Tāmaki Makaurau and Whangārei for individuals returning to the community after long sentences. Residents live collectively in whānau-style homes and are supported by Kaiārahi to create personalised Whānau Plans, build life skills, reconnect with culture and whānau, access services, engage in mahi or education, and work toward independent housing. The service aims to empower tangata, strengthen cultural identity, support healthy relationships, and enable a stable transition into the community.
Te Pā provides a range of whare, 1- & 2-bedroom apartments, and 5–9-bedroom whare across Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Whangārei. These homes are safe, supportive spaces where individuals can re-establish their lives with aroha, manaaki, and whanaungatanga.
Each whare operates as a whānau-based environment, where tangata live collectively and share daily responsibilities like preparing kai, maintaining the home, and Supporting each other’s journeys of transformation. The kaupapa of our whare is underpinned by the values of:
- Manaaki ki te tangata – care and respect for all people
- Aroha ki te tangata – compassion and love in action
- Whakawhanaungatanga – building meaningful, supportive relationships
- Wairuatanga – acknowledging spiritual wellbeing as essential to overall health
Residents are supported to develop a Whānau Plan – a personalised plan addressing tinana (physical health), hinengaro (mental wellbeing), wairua (spiritual strength), and whānau (relational and social connections).
Our Kaiārahi (Navigators) walk alongside residents, offering support in areas such as:
- Managing parole conditions and maintaining compliance
- Re/connecting with whānau, tamariki, hapū and iwi
- Accessing whānau ora services and supervised visits with tamariki where needed
- Engaging in mahi (employment), ako (training/education) or volunteering
- Building daily living skills (e.g., budgeting, nutrition, self-care)
- Navigating housing pathways to achieve long-term independence
- Participating in mātauranga Māori and cultural reconnection programs
- Addressing addictions, trauma and emotional wellbeing through culturally safe services
The intended outcomes for all whānau in Te Pā homes are that they are:
- Whakamana i te tangata – empowered to make life-enhancing decisions and changes
- Tūhonohono ki te ao Māori – connected to their whakapapa, whenua, reo, marae, and tikanga
- Living in safe, stable Accommodation
- Developing and maintaining healthy, pro-social relationships
- Engaged in meaningful contributions to whānau, community and iwi
- Strengthened in identity and cultural pride
- Transitioning to independent, sustainable housing.
To be eligible for RSLS – Supported Accommodation, a person must:
- Have served a sentence of two years or more
- Be referred by Ara Poutama/ Corrections
- Be under active management by Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Corrections)
This service is tailored to support individuals who:
- Present with high and complex reintegration needs
- Are subject to Extended Supervision Orders (ESO) or Intensive Monitoring Conditions (IMC)
- Have convictions for sexual offending against adults and/or children
- Require culturally grounded, intensive support for safe, mana-enhancing reintegration
To be considered suitable, the person must:
- Demonstrate a genuine commitment to positive change and reintegration
- Be willing to actively participate in reintegration activities
- Be open to engaging in a Kaupapa Māori environment, grounded in te ao Māori values and tikanga
- Be willing to live collectively
- Have served a sentence of two years or more
- Be referred by Dept of Corrections (case-manager or probation officer )
- The referral is reviewed by the Regional Accommodation Team for eligibility and suitability.
- Te Pā will meet with tangata, to assess motivation and alignment with the service.
- The referring party will be advised of the outcome (accepted or declined).
- If accepted, a comprehensive Tangata Ora reintegration plan is developed in collaboration with Corrections.
Te Hokinga Mai Raki
Out of Gate Support Service
Te Hokinga Mai Raki / Out of Gate is a holistic, wrap-around, re-integrative service which offers support based on Māori values to anyone who has served a sentence of two years and under. We support whānau who are exiting the justice system by offering the following:
Te Hokinga Mai Raki – Out of Gate service specialises in supporting whānau with complex needs to successfully reintegrate into the community and with their whānau. Service is provided for up to 6 months.
For whānau to be suitable for this service they must have:
- A genuine desire to reintegrate back into the local community.
- A willingness to work with Te Pā and engage in reintegration activities.
- A willingness to engage with a Kaupapa Māori provider.
To be eligible for Te Hokinga Mai Raki – Out of Gate service, you must:
- Have served a sentence of two years or under.
- Be referred by Dept of Corrections (case-manager or probation officer, bail support officer) OR in some cases a self-referral can be made, and we will point you in the right direction.
Te Hokinga Mai Raki provide:
- Pick-up on release
- Support sourcing accommodation
- Support set up ID, Bank Account, MSD benefit + grants
- GP enrollment
- Clothing
- Advocacy
- Outsourcing of other support – cultural, AoD, Counselling and more.
The immediate goals for whānau are:
- Sustainably living in safe accommodation
- Support to gain work related skills with the opportunity to return to work
- Support with cultural connections
- Empower whānau towards self determination and holistic wellness.
ANGA PAE TAWHITI
Reintegration Service for Returning Tangata
Te Pā provides comprehensive reintegration support for people returning to Aotearoa, whether under Probation orders or not. Our service helps ease the stress and uncertainty of starting over. Depending on individual circumstances, returnees connect with Te Pā through Probation or by reaching out directly. Our Kaiārahi (support workers) deliver practical assistance with housing, identification, banking, benefits, employment, healthcare, and reconnection with whānau. We also offer transitional housing and longer-term support through personal growth initiatives and culturally grounded programs. Te Pā delivers two tailored services: a six-week referral for those without Probation conditions and a six-month referral for those with conditions – empowering individuals to rebuild stability, confidence, and connection.
We provide reintegration support for tangata returning to Aotearoa under deportation orders to overcome the barriers to their reintegration.
A person who is deported to New Zealand will either be subject to standard or special conditions, or they will not be. If you are going to be subject to standard or special conditions, you will be met by the Airport Police and a Community Probation Officer on arrival, where Probation will arrange for Te Pā to contact you.
If you are not subject to standard or special conditions, you will only be met by the Airport Police. Those without conditions will need to contact Te Pa directly.
We are a Te Pā reintegration service that supports whānau returning to Aotearoa under section 501 cancellation order to overcome the barriers to their reintegration.
Te Pā provides reintegration services to help individuals establish themselves in New Zealand. The services Te Pā offers are not compulsory; they are entirely free to you and are voluntary.
- ROS service – 6 weeks referral period. This is a service for those who will not be subject to Probation Conditions on their return.
- ROI service – 6 month referral period. This is a service for those who will be subject to Probation Conditions on their return.
Te Pa is based in Auckland and covers the northern Region (Cape Reinga to Rotorua). Reintegration services providers outside this are independent and deliver services specific to their processes and capacity.
Immediate support
- Finding sustainable accommodation
- Securing identification including a NZ divers’ licence
- Opening bank account
- Applying for benefit support
- Finding employment
- Signing up with a medical centre to assist with any health needs
- Reconnecting or staying connected with whanau (family) overseas and/or in New Zealand
Long-term support
- Personal growth programs – these may include topics such as education, budgeting, parenting, mental health and AOD
- Traditional housing for men and women. This is a shared space. The purpose of these whare is to whakamana (empower) individuals to rebuild their independence using a whanau-centric approach that replenishes their mana.
Deportation can be a life-changing experience that brings stress, uncertainty, and worry about the future. At Te Pa, we understand how difficult this time can be, and we’re here to support you when you arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our team of kaiarahi can help you reconnect with whanau, iwi, hapu, and other support services to guide you through this transition. Whether you need help finding housing, employment, or emotional support, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
You’re not alone – Te Pa is here to help.
If you need help getting practical assistance and access to essential services, our staff are here to assist.
If you would like to get in touch or provide feedback, please contact us.
Video: Our work in this area
Here at Te Pā we take you through the process of our returnees’ experience upon being returned and handed over to Te Pā.
We provide a compassionate welcome and essential support to help you reintegrate into the community. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that each individual feels valued and understood as they begin their new journey. By growing connection and understanding, we aim to create a safe space for healing and growth.
Join us as we shed light on this crucial process and the positive impact of community support. If you or someone you know needs assistance. Pā mai (reach out to us) at www.tepaa.nz/contact-us.
Partner with us
We are always looking for partners to assist us with our mahi. If you are interested to find out how you can help. Please get in touch with us.