Families in emergency housing will benefit from a new programme being rolled out in Rotorua at the end of this month.

Matauranga Ake - More than Education and its Navigation Services is a partnership between Central Kids, the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Education, and aims to support families in emergency housing to help identify and manage barriers to wellbeing and to access stable, long-term housing.

Central Kids' chief executive Donovan Clarke says his organisation has a vision of an Aotearoa without homelessness and will be providing coaching, mentoring, practical support and connections for people who are in emergency housing.

This service is specific to families and includes helping tamariki to access early education and primary school. The work also includes case management services, advocacy, as well as connection and referral to other specialist services.

Services are free, voluntary, and are delivered by professional, committed staff.

'Our philosophy is that every person deserves dignity and respect and access to warm and dry housing,” says Donovan.

'The wellbeing of our communities is under pressure and we believe this service will make a powerful impact where it is delivered."

Central Kids' clinical lead Angela Hunt will work closely with her team of Navigators.

'I'm excited to join Central Kids to help deliver this unique initiative – this is where early intervention can lead to prevention of homelessness for our tamariki as they grow up," says Angela.

The team are implementing a strengths-based approach to ensure whanau can develop aspirational yet achievable goals for their families.

These goals cover all domains of wellbeing and also include employment, education, and even homeownership.

Matauranga Ake is being officially opened in Rotorua at Tepapaiouru Marae, Ohinemutu on June 29.

The team will be working out of the Te Waiariki Purea Trust office, 1274 Fenton St.