About Us - Mahi Pai Foundation

Built on a Belief That Every Whānau Deserves a Safe Home

Mahi Pai Foundation was established in the Bay of Plenty in 1999 with a clear purpose - to make sure that no whānau in our community should have to live in a home that is unsafe, cold, or crumbling around them.

What started as a small group of passionate volunteers with a few tools and a lot of heart has grown into an organisation that has helped more than 150 families. We have built and repaired over 30 homes, mobilised more than 100 volunteers, and redistributed thousands of dollars worth of donated materials back into homes that need them.

The mahi is never finished. But every family we help is a step forward for our community.

Mahi Pai Foundation community volunteers at work

What Drives Us

Our Mission

To empower Bay of Plenty whānau through safe, stable, and sustainable housing - whether by repairing existing homes or supporting families on the path to home ownership.

Our Vision

A Bay of Plenty where every whānau has a warm, safe, and secure place to call home - and where housing is never a barrier to health, wellbeing, or opportunity.

"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata."

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

What We Stand For

Our values shape every decision we make and every home we work on.

Community First

Every decision we make is rooted in what is best for the whānau we serve in the Bay of Plenty.

Integrity

We operate with honesty and transparency, and we do what we say we will do - always.

Compassion

We meet whānau where they are, without judgement, with genuine care and understanding.

Sustainability

We build and repair homes for the long term, and we redistribute materials to reduce waste.

The People Behind the Mahi

Mahi Pai Foundation is a community-led organisation governed by a dedicated board committed to transparency, accountability, and the whānau we serve.

For governance and annual report information, or to connect with our board, please get in touch.

Our Volunteers

The backbone of everything we do is our 100+ volunteers - tradespeople, community members, and everyday people who give their time and skills to make a difference. From experienced builders and electricians to first-time helpers, everyone has a role to play.

If you would like to join our volunteer team, we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer With Us

Community Partnerships

We work alongside a network of trusted partners - funders, businesses, and community organisations - who share our vision for a Bay of Plenty where every whānau has a safe home. These relationships allow us to extend our reach and deepen our impact.

Interested in partnering with Mahi Pai Foundation?

Become a Partner