Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme

Te Piki Oranga provides the Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme for people on community sentences with Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) in the following regions:

  • Te Tai Poutini (West Coast)

  • Te Tauihu (Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough)

  • Kaikoura

About the programme ↓
Access/referral information ↓

Mō tēnei hōtaka
About this programme

The aim of the Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme is to reduce re-offending (crime) by motivating participants to engage in rehabilitation. There are three phases:

  1. Tauihu – pre-programme assessment

  2. Rauawa – an intensive, immersive programme of learning activities (including at least one activity with a participant’s whānau)

  3. Taurapa – post-programme assessment and reflection

The main part of the programme (rauawa) is run as a noho wānanga. A noho wānanga is an immersive, deep learning experience over three days and four nights on a marae. During this time, participants reconnect with their Māori identity and values; these are described in the accordion menu below.

  • The principle of reciprocal care and goodwill. From manaakitanga, participants learn about the expression of aroha, hospitality, generosity, mutual respect and become motivated to act in a manner that uplifts and enhances the mana of those around them.

  • The principle of kinship obligations and responsibility to whānau. Within this kaupapa participants are taught how to develop positive relationships with whānau.

  • The principle of how a person’s status and mana is dictated in part by their humility and willingness to support others. Rangatiratanga encourages self-ownership and can help motivate participants to take responsibility for their offending behaviour.

  • The principle of cultural and spiritual integration. Wairuatanga brings about a sense of inner peace and connectedness for participants with their whānau and the environment.

Whānau learning mau rākau.

Hononga ki ētahi atu rātonga
Connection to other services

During the noho wānanga participants are introduced to Te Piki Oranga kaimahi from other health and wellbeing services, such as:

  • Te Hā – smoking cessation support

  • He Tangata – driver licensing support  

  • Te Ata Pūao – mental health services

  • Te Kākano Hou – Continuing Care in the Community (Alcohol and other Drugs support)

  • Te Puāwai he Kākano – maternity and early childhood services

  • Te Puna Hauora – nursing services

Whakaurunga paearu | How to access

Ara Poutama refers people into this programme.

Te Piki Oranga then undertakes a pre-programme assessment with each person, involving:

  • Mihimihi and whanaungatanga – introductions and getting to know each other

  • Information about what people can expect during the programme, and what is expected of them

  • Discussion about whether someone has whānau members (eg partners and children) who might benefit from joining the programme. Te Piki Oranga provides a special programme for tamariki and mokopuna, with a qualified teacher onsite.