Many of the policies that shape our lives are decided through processes that can feel distant or difficult to navigate. Submissions, select committees, consultations, the systems are there, but they’re not always accessible. Hāpaitia exists to change that.

Through clear, practical resources, Hāpaitia supports whānau and communities to write effective submissions that influence laws and inquiries, prepare oral submissions and speak confidently before Select Committees, understand who decision-makers are and how to contact them, and stay informed on local and national policy changes that affect our communities.

This isn’t about politics for politics’ sake. It’s about protecting and advancing the wellbeing of our people. Policy decisions impact housing, health, education, harm reduction, community safety and intergenerational wellbeing. When Māori voices are absent from those conversations, outcomes often miss the mark. When our communities are informed, connected and confident in engaging with decision-makers, the shift can be transformative.

At its heart, Hāpaitia recognises something powerful: every voice adds to our collective strength. It does not speak for communities, it equips communities to speak for themselves.