Hurihanga Initiative Evaluation
Project lead: Alex Woodley
The Hurihanga Initiative is a community-led, whānau-driven response to intergenerational harm in gang-connected communities. Developed by Wesley Community Action and funded through the Proceeds of Crime programme, Hurihanga supports prosocial leadership from within Mongrel Mob and Black Power whānau, which is helping build safer, healthier futures for families in Porirua and Wellington.
Starting in 2021, Point and Associates partnered with Hurihanga to evaluate its impact. But this wasn’t a traditional evaluation - it was a developmental, strengths-based process designed to walk alongside the mahi, not stand outside it. The evaluation was guided by kaupapa Māori principles and a commitment to ethical, relational practice. Over three years, Alex Woodley met fortnightly with Kaimahi to reflect on their work, challenges, and aspirations. These sessions became a space for shared learning, deep honesty, and collective insight.
The methods included:
A literature scan on what works in gang-connected communities
In-depth interviews with 20 whānau members and over a dozen service providers
Analysis of feedback from 120 whānau and 50 BROTALK participants
Regular hui with Wesley staff and Kaimahi to track progress and adapt the approach
The evaluation prioritised triangulation and transparency, ensuring that whānau voices were heard, respected, and reflected back accurately.
Reflective practice was embedded throughout the evaluation. Kaimahi and Wesley staff used regular sessions to test ideas, share stories, and explore what was working. This helped surface the deeper drivers of change - like cultural connection, role modelling, and genuine care - and allowed the team to adapt in real time
What the Evaluation Found
The evaluation showed that Hurihanga is:
Reducing methamphetamine use, violence, and criminality;
Increasing employment, housing, and access to health services;
Strengthening cultural identity and prosocial behaviour;
Interrupting cycles of trauma and supporting tamariki and rangatahi; and
Inspiring regional and national interest in the model.
Most importantly, it found that the Kaimahi - trusted leaders from within the communities - are modelling a different way of being. Their work is having a “social multiplier” effect, sparking change across whānau and communities.