Pēpi Pack

Established in 2015, the Pēpi Pack initiative was developed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu as an approach to whānau ora and tamariki ora. The wahakura, which are lovingly made by a group of Ngāi Tahu weavers, are designed to encourage safe sleeping for new-borns.

The packs are a way to connect pēpi with Ngāi Tahu from birth and help them to grow a strong cultural connection to our iwi – Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri a muri ake nei.

In order to receive a Pēpi Pack, expectant parents must complete the pre-registration form at least four weeks prior to the expected due date of pēpi.
Please note that due to customs restrictions and regulations, wahakura (made from harakeke) are not included in the Pēpi Packs sent to whānau overseas.

Register for a Pēpi Pack – Expectant Parents ONLY

Complete a pre-registration form. This needs to be completed by the Ngāi Tahu registered parent. They will need their six-digit whakapapa registration number and password to access this form.

We also require a verified document from your midwife or general practitioner which shows the following:

Name of expectant Māmā
Expected due date of pēpi; and
Your midwife or GP’s contact details.

Enrolling Pēpi with Ngāi Tahu

If your pēpi is already born, pēpi is not eligible to receive the full Pēpi Pack but may be entitled to receive a partial Pēpi Pack depending on the age of pēpi. Please contact the grants team on the below number for confirmation.

We encourage you to begin the enrolment process by submitting a whakapapa registration to Whakapapa Ngāi Tahu.

Should the application to Whakapapa Ngāi Tahu be received within 12 months following the birth of pēpi (for those born on or after 1 March 2022 only), pēpi will receive a pounamu pendant and a personalist whakapapa scroll, which traces their whakapapa back to their 1848 Kaumātua – as shown in the Blue Book.

If you have any questions or would like more information on our Pēpi Pack initiative, please contact the grants team on 0800 KAI TAHU or email: [email protected]
Mauri ora!