The RWT project is an initiative of Ngati Rangi iwi. It began two years ago, in July, with 23 objectives, and has another two years to run.
Ms Mikaere-Most returned to the Ruapehu area as its contracted part-time manager and says it has met eight objectives so far, and is on track for the full 23 in another two years. Most of the funding comes from the government - because many of its objectives are of a similar nature - as well as a mix of grants and donations.
The project has managed to achieve a lot with few resources - partly by making use of people working for other organisations.
"Sometimes you don't need money, you just need people to do things," Ms Mikaere-Most said.
The transformation is for the whole Waimarino area, including Raetihi, Ohakune and Waiouru - and not only for its Maori people. Raetihi is 62 per cent Maori, Ohakune 35 per cent Maori and Waiouru 46 per cent Maori.
"We all live under the shadow of Koro Ruapehu, and we all look after each other."
The project has a community reference group that provides advice, input and in-kind contributions. Its goals range across five well-beings - work, housing, health, education and social.
On the social side, it held its first Top Town-style competition in March at Waiouru organised by army staff. Ms Mikaere-Most said 66 people competed and 40 or 50 were there to support them.
"It was time to celebrate, and it was a great day. There's a video on our website and it makes pretty neat viewing."
Warm housing is essential in the central plateau climate and, using a Ruapehu District Council staff member and Ruapehu health workers, 101 homes have been audited for insulation, heating and soundness. Of those, 38 per cent had no insulation and 76 per cent were heated mainly by woodburners.
Over the next three months, 25 will be given more detailed assessments and whanau will be helped to make individual housing action plans - with the possibility of funding.
"It's about empowering them, helping them see the possibilities, and giving support if needed."
Employment is another area where the project has been active. It has held two careers expos, with this year's placing people in 28 jobs. It can make temporary placements and arrange contracts for seasonal and short-term work.
New business Ruapehu Recruitment helps people find work, and is paid by employers who take them on. Part-time staff member Kathy Pyatt is there to make use of her human resources and employment expertise.
One of the new jobs the project has created is for itself. Danielle Vaughan started on July 13, as its full-time operations manager. She previously worked for Ruapehu Toyota and the Ngati Rangi Trust.
There's a lot for her to learn, because RWT works in so many areas.
"We are the lead on a lot of the solutions happening. We just bring in whoever we need to make things happen."
People in Raetihi, where she lives, were feeling good, and Ms Mikaere-Most said the project was making a real difference.
