Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme
Te Piki Oranga provides the Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme for people undertaking community sentences under the superision of Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) in the following regions:
Te Tai Poutini (West Coast)
Te Tauihu (Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough)
Kaikoura
Te Piki Oranga has provided the programme under contracts from Ara Poutama since 2017 and in 2025 the contract was renewed for a further four years.
Mō tēnei hōtaka - about this programme
The aim of the Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme is to reduce re-offending (crime) and return to prison by motivating participants to change their behaviour and engage in rehabilitation. There are three phases:
Tauihu – pre-programme assessment
Rauawa – an intensive, immersive programme of learning activities (including at least one activity with a participant’s whānau)
Taurapa – post-programme assessment and reflection
Te Piki Oranga delivers the main part of the programme – rauawa – 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, such as:
Whānau learning mau rākau
Manaakitanga: 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.
Whanaungatanga: The principle of kinship obligations and responsibility to whānau. Within this kaupapa participants are taught how to develop positive relationships with whānau.
Rangatiratanga: 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.
Wairuatanga: 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 participation
Te Piki Oranga is the only provider of the Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme for Ara Poutama that offers a programme for a participant’s whānau – usually a partner or children. This is discussed as an option during the pre-programme assessment.
A whānau workshop
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 early childhoodservices
Te Puna Hauora – nursing services
Whakaurunga paearu - referral process
Ara Poutama (Department of Corrections) refers people into this programme.
Te Piki Oranga then contacts people to set up an appointment to meet and undertake a pre-programme assessment. This might take place at a Te Piki Oranga office, in a person’s home or elsewhere. The pre-programme assessment involves:
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.
