About Us
grounded in culture.
built for rangatahi.
Ngaru Pou Inc. is a community-focused organisation in Western Australia dedicated to empowering rangatahi through Te Ao Haka. We strengthen cultural identity, build confidence, and support every young person to stand proudly in both their Māori heritage and the world around them.
Who We Are
more than a programme — a movement
Ngaru Pou Inc. is a community-focused organisation dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building resilient communities here in Western Australia. Through high-quality programmes and support services, we promote wellbeing, personal development, and positive life outcomes for rangatahi aged 3 to 19 and beyond.
Our approach is grounded in Te Ao Haka — integrating cultural identity, language, movement, and storytelling so that every programme reflects tikanga and mātauranga Māori. Through haka, waiata, poi, mōteatea, and performance, our students connect with their culture, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of who they are and where they belong.
We work hand in hand with individuals, whānau, and community partners — taking a holistic approach that addresses challenges, builds capacity, and supports each young person to reach their full potential. Our goal is a lasting, positive impact in the communities we serve.
Our Mission
navigating both worlds with confidence
Our primary focus is rangatahi — supporting them to build the confidence to stand proudly here in Australia while remaining grounded in who they are and where they come from. We don't ask our learners to choose between worlds. We equip them to navigate both with strength.
Through Te Ao Haka, we provide students with exposure to te reo me ōna tikanga, whakapapa, and whanaungatanga — enabling them to develop self-belief, resilience, and pride in their cultural identity. Students move at their own pace, because we honour individual learning journeys and recognise that every young person grows in their own time and in their own way.
Nau tou rourou, nau toku rourou,
ka ora ai te iwi
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive
Our Values
the principles that guide us
These aren't just words on a page — they are the commitments that shape how we teach, connect, and show up for our community every day.
Manaakitanga
We create safe environments where every learner, every whānau, and every community member feels valued, heard, and supported. Care is not an afterthought — it is the foundation of everything we do.
Whakapapa
Cultural identity, language, and whakapapa are at the heart of our programmes. We ground our rangatahi in who they are and where they come from — so they can navigate both worlds with strength and confidence.
Kotahitanga
We work closely with individuals, families, and community partners to build capacity and support long-term growth. Ngaru Pou was built through community, for community — and we are stronger together.
Tūāhuatanga
We hold high expectations because we believe deeply in our learners' potential. Through Te Ao Haka, we nurture excellence in performance, self-belief, and cultural pride — preparing rangatahi to shine.
Our Community
built by whānau, for whānau
Ngaru Pou was built from the ground up by educators, parents, and cultural practitioners who believed that Māori rangatahi in Australia deserved something better — programmes that truly see them, celebrate who they are, and prepare them for the future.
Through inclusive and culturally responsive practices, we create safe environments where people feel valued, heard, and supported. Our work extends beyond the classroom — we partner with families and communities to address challenges and support long-term growth, because we know that when the whole whānau thrives, so does every individual within it.
We also host the Ngaru Pou Cultural Arts Festival, giving our rangatahi the opportunity to perform, compete, and celebrate their culture together — including pathways into Te Hononga Moemoea, our secondary kapahaka competition.
Our Journey
how we got here
2021
Ngaru Pou Cultural Arts Inc. founded with a vision to bring culturally grounded learning online.
2022
First cohort of students enrolled across Te Pūmanawa and Te Pūkenga Rau levels.
2023
Platform expanded to all three levels, with a dedicated kaiako messaging system launched.
2024
Parent enrolment portal and student progress tracking introduced for a complete whānau experience.
2025
New multimedia lessons, digital achievements, and a redesigned platform rolled out community-wide.
ready to be part of the journey?
Whether you're a parent looking to enrol your tamariki, a kaiako wanting to get involved, or a community member who believes in our kaupapa — there is a place for you here.