How Tikanga Māori programmes can break the cycle of offending

Our successful Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme has been funded for a further four years by Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections.

Ara Poutama refers people on sentence with Corrections in the community in Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui (Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough) into the programme.

The programme aims to reduce re-offending by motivating participants to engage in rehabilitation and change behaviours. Te Piki Oranga delivers the programme as a noho wānanga – an immersive, deep learning experience over three days on a marae.

This year Ara Poutama issued a new Request for Proposals (RfP), for an updated programme. Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui iwi were given the opportunity to submit proposals and iwi members represented on the Ara Poutama selection panel.

We have won contracts to provide the programme for the past eight years. Tumuaki Anne Hobby and Kōtuitui Hapori (Community Co-ordinator) Sonny Alesana have led delivery of the programme since the start and are thankful for the support shown by ngā iwi o te Tauihu.

“Tikanga programmes help break the cycle of offending, and help people to turn their lives around, by strengthening their connection with their culture,” Anne says.

“There are many factors to rehabilitation but an increase in tikanga knowledge and in māramatanga, those breakthrough moments, can motivate someone to address factors behind their offending.”

Referral into the programme is handled by Ara Poutama, with Te Piki Oranga undertaking a pre-programme assessment to determine a participant’s readiness, says Sonny.

“These are not whiteboard sessions, and a noho wānanga is not a holiday either.

“Wānanga are about the doing, active learning. We create an environment, tailored to the group dynamics and participants, around useful learning. 

“A Kawa ō te Ako, a set of foundations, protocols and guidelines, is agreed at the beginning of the wānanga and the rules of the host marae are also laid down. Everyone is expected to follow them. There is usually a high degree of respect for the protocols and participants often hold each other to these standards,” Sonny says.

Marae setting integral to immersive learning and experience

Programme wānanga are usually held at marae in Te Tauihu rohe.

“The programme works because of the values of Māoridom and the tikanga of a marae setting,” Sonny says.

“A noho wānanga offers the type of immersive learning and participation that can trigger the start of deep change.

“Learning and testing begins immediately – with the pre-programme assessment that is shaped by the tikanga of mihimihi and whanaungatanga, and from the very start of each day when we are up before dawn to start the day’s work appropriately with karakia, waiata, pepeha practice and kai.

“Wānanga are a group activity, and participants must behave in a way that respects other participants, local marae hosts and our tutors,” says Sonny.

“By the end of the wānanga, participants are leading marae and wānanga tikanga. They are leading waiata and karakia,” Sonny says.

 “It doesn’t surprise us what people can learn and achieve and how much they can grow in three days – but it does sometimes surprise the person on this journey. Newly acquired or stronger skills in tikanga and te ao Māori can help someone find their standing in the community which you need when you are getting back into employment, community work and parenting.”

Whānau involvement key to success

Te Piki Oranga is one of only a few providers of Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme for Ara Poutama that offers a programme for participant’s whānau – usually a partner and children.

“The whānau component to the programme is grounded in evidence that the involvement of whānau is influential to successful outcomes,” Anne says.

“We extend the programme to partners and children, giving them access to healing, healthcare, an enhanced connection to their whakapapa and the chance to upskill in tikanga Māori.

“For some, it is a chance to reconnect with a whānau member who has been in the justice system, in a facilitated way,” Anne says.

The journey continues post-programme

Another factor that has made Te Piki Oranga the preferred provider for the Ara Poutama programme is the organisation’s capacity to support participants through their ongoing rehabilitation.

Unmet health and wellness needs are some of many factors leading to offending, says Sonny.

“The programme can reveal a lot. We see undiagnosed or unaddressed hearing loss, chronic health conditions, addictions and deep trauma from years of gang life for example.”

Many Te Piki Oranga kaimahi contribute to the programme, talking with participants about quit smoking services, mental health services, Well Child Tamariki Ora services and more.  

Click here for more information about the Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme.

Whānau learning mau rākau

Hapori happenings in ngahuru

Te Piki Oranga kaimahi support community events to share health information and connect with whānau.

Here are some of the events we supported in March 2025.

Kia ora – E te iwi Cancer Education and Prevention Hauora Expo

• 8 March at the Victory Community Centre in Whakatū / Nelson

• Organised by the Cancer Society Te Kāhui Matepukupuku a Aotearoa

• Featuring presentations and kaimahi from Te Piki Oranga, Nelson Bays Primary Health, Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, Pacific Radiology, Te Waka Hauora and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ.

Te PIki Oranga Ratonga Pukupuku Manaaki / Cancer Care Services represented at the expo. The kaupapa of Ratonga Pukupuku Manaaki is to support whānau affected by cancer and to improve the quality of their lives.

Read about Ratonga Pukupuku Manaaki / Cancer Care Services

Mauri Ora – Every Life Matters Hīkoi (for mental health and suicide awareness)

• 8 March at Rutherford Park in Whakatū / Nelson

• Organised by Maataa Waka ki te Tau Ihu

• Supported by Te Piki Oranga, Maataa Waka Ki te Tau Ihu, Nelson City Council, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, Kia Piki Te Ora, the Heart Foundation, Pathways, Te Korowai Trust, Nelson Bays Primary Health, Māori Women’s Welfare League, Red Cross, Employable NZ, NZ Fire Service and many more.

The day highlighted community connectivity and the need for more support in mental health and suicide prevention services.

Te Piki Oranga kaimahi Lauren Sainty works in the Te Ata Pūao team (mental health services) in Whakatū. She attened the hīkoi, and reported:

‘My involvement in the event was truly impactful! Engaging with various organisations and gaining a clearer understanding of their roles in the community was a valuable experience.  We were able to distribute information about Te Piki Oranga’s mental health services and even receive referrals, highlighting the importance of our presence.

“The stories from guest speakers' Rutu King-Hazel and Dee Keefe were clearly powerful and thought-provoking, bringing depth to the conversation around suicide awareness. The hikoi being such an emotional experience for many made it even more meaningful. The community spirit was evident, especially with the rangatahi performing kapa haka and the shared enjoyment of the sausage sizzle.

“Overall, our participation contributed to a day filled with connection, learning, and support’.”

Heartland Services into the rhythm of its second year

It has been more than a year since Heartland Services opened its doors on Waitohi / Picton’s main street, providing access to Government and community services for rural whānau.

Heartlands – Ngā Ratonga ki te Manawa o te Whenua – became a place where people could get support kanohi ki te kanohi, face to face, in a world where many services have moved online.

We asked Brigid Eriksen, Kaituitui Pumanawa Whenua/Heartlands Coordinator, to tell us about her first year with Heartlands. Here is her kōrero:

The first year was tough, setting up a new tari, and going through an intense time of people getting to know us, and know what we do.  Now we are in our second year and while more people know us (although people still ask), this year has been even more full on with a lot of networking/whakawhanaungatanga which has carried through to now.  

I had support from Wairau kaimahi as I started out alone and they continue to awhi us here in Waitohi.

Heartland Services kaimahi Natasha and Brigid, on the Waitahi foreshore not far from the Heartlands hub on Main St.

What is a typical week like at Heartlands?

On the most recent Monday I had 21 people walk through the door.  We are getting regulars who come for a chat or a coffee and who just need support some for their loneliness. 

I started a regular ‘coffee and kōrero’ hui this year on Thursdays to support our local community, and ask our staff and locals who they would like to hear from as a speaker.

Our biggest thing at the moment would be our Community Hui which started as bi-monthly in December 2024 but which quickly needed to be made a monthly hui.  We gather to talk about what is happening in Waitohi, share about our individual mahi and share pānui. It’s a great time of whakawhanaungatanga and kotahitanga.

How is the Waitohi community engaging with Heartlands?

The three classes of morning Tai Chi are going well and are well-attended.  People are also loving the Holistic Pulsing sessions.

We still have transient people, those without homes, coming in to Heartlands and we help in whatever way we can. It might be a cuppa and biscuits, a kai parcel if we have any, help with WINZ or emergency accommodation.  Sometimes I think they want someone to talk to.

People are still needing kai and we direct them to other supports if we don’t have anything to give, such as the Vinnies Op Shop or the Picton Foodbank.

Our work brokers, offering employment support, continue to be available weekly to people, as do Community Law kaimahi and our person from Connected.

People also come in for help wiht technology, with their phones and laptops or to get photocopies or something scanned.

A Coffee & Kōrero session underway at Heartland Services.

Where can I find out what is happening on Heartlands?

We are a dynamic, responsive service that changes regularly according to what people tell us they need most. We do have a regular schedule of drop-in sessions and support groups, such as Community Law, Inland Revenue and Whānau Ora navigators from Waikawa Marae.

We recommend following Te Piki Oranga on Facebook, and to keep an eye on our webpage: www.tpo.org.nz/heartland

Our new premises and a new place to stand

Te Piki Oranga will realise a long-held intention to bring services together when we move to our new health hub at the former ‘Otumarama’ site in Stoke by November.

After 10 years of providing primary healthcare services from three different leased locations in Whakatū / Nelson and Waimea / Richmond, we are now planning the delivery of services from one place at 199 Nayland Rd.

Go to the web page about the new health hub where you can find questions and answers and the latest information.

A mahi tahi (togetherness) day was held for kaimahi to tidy up the grounds before renovations begin.

Winter wellness tips for a warmer, drier whare

Tips for a warmer, drier whare this winter

We are a Whare Ora service / Healthy Homes Initiative provider in the Whakatū, Tasman and Wairau regions.

This service aims to increase the number of children and their whānau living in warm, dry and safer homes. Doing this will reduce the number of children needing medical care caused by unhealthy homes.

This winter, the Whare Ora team in Wairau /Marlborough have collated a set of practical, achievable tips to help whānau keep their homes warmer and drier. In turn, whānau can save on energy costs.

The tips are on this page, or download them as a PDF here.

Read more about Whare Ora / Healthy Homes here.

Breast screening made more accessible for wāhine

A first for Wairau with the arrival of the mobile screening unit

Te Piki Oranga was pleased to offer wāhine in Wairau / Marlborough better access to breast screening services, with the Breast Screen South mobile clinic making its first visit to the region in May.

With the mobile unit based at Ūkaipō, the Rangitāne Cultural Centre, wāhine could have their screening done in a local, community setting – not just at the Radiology Department at Wairau Hospital. This was a significant step towards making screening more accessible, particularly for Māori and Pasifika wāhine, says Lorraine Staunton, Kaiwhakahaere Ratonga (Service Delivery Manager), for Te Piki Oranga.

The mobile screening unit is a large, custom-built bus equipped with advanced breast screening technology. While new to Marlborough, it is successfully used in other regions, bringing vital services closer to where people live.

A whānau-centred approach: screening with wrap-around support

The mobile unit and team travelled to Motueka next after Wairau, basing themselves at our health hub near Te Āwhina Marae.

At both Wairau and Motueka, Te Piki Oranga hosted Mana Wāhine clinics to encourage wāhine to attend their screenings in a safe, supportive environment, with access to other health services, all in one place:
• cervical screening and HPV self-testing
• immunisations
• health checks
• access to rongoā Māori practitioners
• hauora information and support

Whītiki taua... that’s us, wāhine mā!

Hauora Māori and wāhine health are priorities for many Māori and Pasifika organisations across Te Tauihu. To reflect their shared kaupapa, wāhine toa from Te Piki Oranga, Rangitāne ki Wairau, Waikawa Marae, the Māori Women’s Welfare League, Hawaiki Kura, and the Pasifika Trust came together to share a collective message of care and commitment to whānau wellbeing: Whītiki taua... that’s us, wāhine mā!’

“We are saying ‘Whītiki taua…that’s us, wāhine ma!’ as a call to action to all the māmā, nannies, sisters, aunties, cousins, and besties to check in with each other. Let’s make sure we're up to date with our breast screening,” Lorraine says.

“Let’s book our appointments and show up together, knowing that Te Piki Oranga is there to awhi you through the experience.

“Because when breast cancer is found early, it can be treated. That’s the truth. And yet, wāhine Māori and Pasifika are still more likely to be diagnosed late – and to die from this disease. That’s why it is important to do your screening every two years, even when you do not have any symptoms of breast cancer.

“It is also important to support each other to be aware about breast cancer symptoms, and to see your GP or healthcare practitioner as soon as you can when you have any concerns about your breast health.

“We’re doing this to close the equity gap. To give all our wāhine, no matter where we live or who we are, the chance to live long, healthy lives. This is about changing the stats, one wāhine at a time,” Lorraine says.

Hauora Māori and women’s health are important to many Māori and Pasifika organisations in Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Mauī. To show how much they care, a group of wāhine toa from Te Piki Oranga, Rangitāne ki Wairau, Waikawa Marae, the Māori Women’s Welfare League, Hawaiki Kura and the Pasifika Trust collaborated for a special photo to illustrate their message to whānau: Whītiki taua... that’s us, wāhine mā!

Photo credit: David James

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Aotearoa

Māori and Pasifika wāhine are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, and are more likely to experience poorer outcomes.

“When breast cancer is found early through regular screening, it’s highly treatable. But there are still too many barriers to ensure wāhine Māori and Pasifika women access screening services at the same rate as others,” Lorraine says.

In the Nelson Marlborough region, the screening rates are:

• Wāhine Māori: 68.3%

• Pasifika wāhine: 53.6%

• Non-Māori, non-Pasifika women: 77.1%

The national target for breast screening is 70%.

Photos from Ūkaipō

Photos clockwise from the top left:

• Te Piki Oranga kaimahi Donna, Kate, Tania and Kaye welcoming wāhine to Ūkaipō

• Karen MacDonald recieved her mammogram at Ūkaipō, seen here with kai gift bags for participants

• Kaye MacDonald is Te Piki Oranga Breast Screening Kaituitui. She is on the right next to members of the Breast Screen South team

• Some of the kai offered to wāhine attending their mammography appointment.

Members of the Māori Women’s Welfare League (Marlborough branch) in support of Mana Wāhine screening clinics at Ūkaipō, the Rangitāne Cultural Centre.

Photos from Te Āwhina Marae, Motueka

Photos clockwise from the top left:

• Barbara attending her mammogram appointment. In October 2024, the Whakatū / Nelson Tasman region became the first region in Aotearoa New Zealand to extend screening to 74 year old wāhine ahead of the nationwide roll-out of extended screening to 70 to 74 year-olds.

• Piki Oranga kaimahi Tania Smith and Gloria Eggeling, welcoming wāhine to their screening.

• Myra Upson attended her mammogram appointment and received this special cape made by the Motueka screening team.

• Myra with Breast Screen South kaimahi.

He Tangata awarded for cultural inclusion and equity gains

He Tangata is our driver licensing support programme where we help whānau overcome barriers to gaining a licence, towards increased independence and wellbeing.

Emani Soane and Te Piki Oranga Tumuaki Anne Hobby with the 2025 Driving Change Cultural Inclusion and Equity trophy awarded to He Tangata.

Under the leadership of driving instructor and Te Piki Oranga kaimahi Emani Soane, He Tangata is also an award-winning programme:

• In May 2025, He Tangata won the ‘Cultural Inclusion and Equity’ category of the Driving Change Network Awards

• In 2023, He Tangata won the ‘Outstanding By Māori for Māori’ category

The Driving Change Network brings together passionate advocates, industry leaders, policy makers and community organisations dedicated to equitable and accessible driver licensing in Aotearoa.

For the awards this year, Emani took up the wero (challenge) to make a video about how He Tangata helps to reduce cultural and systemic barriers to driver licensing success. The video was submitted for the 2025 awards – winning the ‘Cultural Inclusion and Equity’ category.

Unwavering commitment to whānau

Wendy Robertson, National Director of the Driving Change Network, praised Emani for his “incredible mahi”.

“At the heart of it all is Emani’s unwavering commitment to whānau – creating safe, supportive learning spaces where people feel seen, capable, and proud.

“By centring people, culture, and connection, He Tangata is helping build confidence, independence, and equity on our roads, and Emani’s leadership is driving that change forward,” Wendy says.

Emani’s mihi

“I want to acknowledge Ariel, Leah, and Nikorima for being open to share their story on film.

“As kaimahi you can share stories and the experiences, of some the challenges, courageous conversations, the scary moments, the laughs, the not-joyful occasions, and the celebrations inside and outside of the car. But to have that lived experience of whānau sharing their testimony in this way, you can’t beat it.”

Emani also thanks David Edwards (Nelson Tasman Police) and his Te Pae Oranga hoamahi (colleagues) for connecting him with Police videographer, Jen, to make the video.

Tools are the taonga to success

Emani says that plenty of tools are needed to coach whānau through the graduated licence programme –from learner’s, to restricted to full.

“Using kaupapa Māori and Pasifika (Tokelau) is a great way to connect with your whānau in a classroom environment or in the car,” he says.

“I see my role as being like a kaiwhakaako or pule hiva (educator). You’re responsible for getting them to the level to be able to showcase their skills with confidence on ‘kapahaka day’ (test day). When mistakes happen during lessons, kaiwhakaako will either swap seats and demonstrate the correct procedure, or say “ano” – do it again – until the whānau understands the patterns, manoeuvres or safe car handling.”

Emani gives a big ‘thank you’ to all whānau who have graduated from, and who are enrolled with, He Tangata.

“Thank you for helping to design the taonga and tools that we use today in our driving programme.

“Mihi also to all stakeholders, those of you who tautoko Te Piki Oranga and He Tangata. Mihi to our kaimahi who do all the mahi unseen in the background.”

Click here for more information about He Tangata

Watch Emani’s award-winning video

Photo captions:

Top left: Emani receiving the award for He Tangata from Wendy Robertson at the 2025 Driving Change Network awards.

The other photos were taken during the filming of Emani’s video about He Tangata.

Kirihimete hākari for our Noho Pākari whānau in Wairau

Noho Pākari is a ‘sit and be fit’ gentle exercise programme to help people stay mobile and active.

For Kirihimete (Christmas) in 2024, a special hākari (banquet) was prepared for our Wairau and Waitohi Noho Pākari whānau, kaimahi and manuhiri.

Wikitoria MacDonald is Pūkenga Manaaki for Kōrua Kuia Wairau. She was there to celebrate with whānau and capture the aroha, koa (joy) and whakawhetai (gratitude) with her camera. See Wikitoria’s photos below and read her kōrero about the day, as follows:

By Wikitoria MacDonald

On 17 December we held our Christmas hākari with our Noho Pākari koroua and kuia in Wairau, at the Church of the Nativity in Waiharakeke (Blenheim).

Ka whiti mai te Rā, ka hari koa  te ngākau!

Matua John Mutu and Daniel Salter arrived early to set up our hall while others decorated the tables and helped us prepare kai in the kitchen. The atmosphere was festive and lively. 

Though I was busy moving between different jobs, I was also ordered by kaumātua to put on some music to keep our early arrivals entertained! There was a lovely air of expectation to the morning. 

Once everyone had arrived and matua John had opened up our kaupapa in karakia, everyone took the opportunity to share their pepeha.  Both the Waitohi and Wairau Noho Pākari groups had come together, so it was an appropriate time to kōrero.  We then moved into singing waiata before Aunty Amo Poki from Waikawa (and myself on guitar) entertained everyone with some Honky Tonk piano and a few songs from the ‘50s. 

After that, everyone enjoyed the full buffet table.  Thanks to Te Piki Oranga we enjoyed a hot meal of chicken, pasta salads, green salads, roast potatoes, kumara and carrots, homemade stuffing, fried bread and gravy.  I invited those who could to bring a kai koha, so our dessert table was full. 

Upon hindsight I should have allocated a photographer for the day as I was so busy, but I still took lots of photos (below) of those people who gave me verbal consent to do so.

We tried to give presents to our kaumātua, but we ran out of time. They still loved their hākari, the fruit punch and entertainment and didn’t mind that we had run out of time for presents. Along with the good company, enjoyable meal and some light entertainment from both aunty Amo and the booster speaker, it was a good day for everyone. 

The leftover kai was packed to take-away, which was appreciated. Overall, a great Christmas day celebration. Acknowledgment goes out to staff who helped throughout the year, our volunteer Jesse who couldn’t make it for the hākari, and of the service Te Piki Oranga ki Wairau.  Thank you admin for the sharing of your ideas and tautoko, thank you Ricky Carr and thank you to my work colleagues who supported with whaiora tautoko.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Row 1, left to right: Aunty Flo, kuia; Helen and Erin, ‘Christmas Cakers’, Libbie and Sonia

Row 2, left to right: Matua John and Rod; Rod; ‘chatty’ Sonia

Row 3, left to right: Tasha and Teressa; whaea Frances and Gwen; beautiful Heeni

Row 4, left to right: Stephen; matua Pita enjoying a laugh; Jennifer and whaea Amo

Row 5, left to right: Matua John and Iain; one of two Christmas cakes; Tony and Jacqui                                 

Row 6, left to right: Glennis and Peggy; Helen, wonderful soup maker; enjoying the dessert table

Row 7, left to right: Dressed tables; the dessert table

Empowering whānau with wellbeing

By Tāwhaki Simons – Kaiārahi Hōtaka, Cancer Society (Nelson and Motueka)

In October, Te Piki Oranga collaborated with the Cancer Society to host a whānau wellbeing day in Ōmaio (Stoke). Here is Tāwhaki Simons’ pakiwaitara:

Tāne Matua, Tāne-nui-a-Rangi, Tāne Whakapiripiri, whakarongo mai, whakarongo mai

Nāu i wehe ngā mātua, nāu ko te rā, nāu ko te pō Nāu i whakairi te whānau mārama, nāu ko te awatea Nāu i tiki atu ngā mātauranga, nāu ko te wānanga Nāu i pupuhi te hauora, nāu ko te tangata

Nāu ahau, nāu ahau Tīhei Mauri Ora!

The kaupapa of this day was to empower whānau by providing them with the opportunity to whakarongo, kōrero and connect around their hauora.

Kaumātua, rangatahi and tamariki, tāne and wāhine were offered information about services and support. A fun icebreaker quiz incorporated serious and relevant messaging about prevention, and giveaways also reinforced positive health messages.

Noi Burgess, Kaituhituhi Matepukupuku, spoke about the cancer support services offered by Te Piki Oranga. The highlight of the day was rangatira Te Ururoa Flavell’s kōrero about his haerenga with prostate cancer – his passion for life was inspiring to all in attendance.

Te Ururoa spoke engagingly about the emotional rollercoaster of receiving a cancer diagnosis, going through treatment and his willingness to throw everything at his illness for the sake of his whānau.

He passionately implored tāne to be proactive with their hauora and have regular check-ups. “It’s about relationships,” Te Ururoa emphasised. “When we’re not well, it impacts the whole whānau!”

The feedback from whānau was very positive:

• “It was good to talk to another tāne with the same cancer”

• “We need more of these sorts of events to keep people talking and thinking about their health for their whānau’s sake”

• “The manaakitanga and kai were amazing”

• “I actually only came for a kai with my whānau but ended up taking away some things to think about”

One tāne told me a few days later that his wife had insisted on him getting a prostate specific antigen test after listening to Te Ururoa’s kōrero.

Photos above: Kaimahi and whānau in attendance

Te Ururoa Flavell gave inspirational cancer kōrero

Te Puāwai he Kākano: Pēpi Pākohe and In-home Immunisation

By Lovey Elkington - Pūkenga Manaaki Te Puāwai he Kākano

Pēpi Pākohe – raising confident and resilient pēpi

Our Pēpi Pākohe rōpū (parents’ group) was started in response to whānau feeling isolated and wanting to meet other whānau in similar, or not so similar, circumstances.

Te Piki Oranga provides the space, kai, resources and facilitators for each fortnightly Pēpi Pākohe session. We lead karakia, waiata and whakawhānaungatanga, and whānau share pānui and mātauranga.

In one rōpū session we learned to make poi and sing ‘E Rere Taku Poi’. Plans for future Pēpi Pākohe sessions include CPR training, sharing local iwi pūrākau and mahi toi. Watch this space…Mātakitaki mai e te whānau!

Tūpuna Parenting

The Tamariki Ora team completed the ‘Tūpuna Parenting’ course this year, via online study and culminating in a two-day noho at Takahanga Marae in Kaikōura.

Tūpuna parenting looks at the parenting practices of our tūpuna and mātauranga in use before colonisation. We learned that we are ‘Born Tapu and all Born with Mana’. Our team felt empowered and ready to share this mātauranga with whānau, to uplift them and enhance positive practices already taking place in their whare.

By Marissa Pou - Kano Kano Kaituitui, Te Puāwai he Kākano

Melissa Pou with pēpi, Jacob, during a home visit with māmā Regina.

Taking the stress out of immunisation for whānau

Te Puāwai he Kākano offers immunisation (vaccination) for hapū māmā, pepi and tamariki and other whānau.

Through immunising against viruses like influenza and diseases such as measles, we can provide the greatest protection for pēpi, tamariki, their whānau and hāpori.

We are proud to offer in-home immunisation services for whānau where they feel safe, less pressured and where there is time to kōrero. We build whanaungatanga as pēpi grows and is due their next immunisation, and we provide catch-up immunisation for tamariki (such as immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella).

Whānau are grateful that we come to their whare, taking the hassle out of the process, and offering a friendly service if they are not able to see their regular GP. Being at home means a remarkable decrease in crying and unsettledness for pēpi after vaccination.

This is important because when whānau have had a positive experience they are more likely to continue with the immunisation schedule, or ask for a catch-up vaccine they have missed earlier for a variety of reasons.

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Meet the IT team

By Mike Fulop - Kaitohu Huhangarau (IT Manager)

Information technology (IT) plays a crucial role in healthcare, enabling efficient whānau management, data sharing and improved decision-making. Mike gives us an overview of the past year in IT:

In the constantly evolving world of technology, the unwavering support of our Tumuaki and the board has been vital to the success of our IT department.

Their dedication and commitment to fostering innovation have empowered me and my team to streamline our operations and ensure we stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

Making strategic investments in state-of-the-art technologies and implementing robust security measures has been essential to safeguard our data and digital assets, and maintain the integrity of our systems.

From left: Jay Jahnke, Mike Fulop and Rachelle Tauroa

Above: A summary of Te Piki Oranga investments in IT infrastructure, time and expertise to improve our IT environment this year.

Mana Wāhine is making a difference

By Lorraine Staunton - Kaiwhakahaere Rātonga (Service Delivery Manager)

Mana Wāhine hauora days for women have grown from strength to strength again this year. Here is Lorraine’s pakiwaitara:

Te Piki Oranga Cancer Care team hosted our Mana Wāhine hauora day in December, in partnership with kaimahi from Te Whatu Ora Public Health Service, Nelson Bays Primary Health and Nelson Tasman Pasifika Trust.

The day was an opportunity for wāhine Māori and Pasifika to get up to date with their cervical screening. We completed almost all booked appointments, rescheduling times for wāhine who couldn’t make it.

Our immunisation team attended with the nursing team, providing immunisation to tamariki, wāhine and hapū māmā. Each wahine recieved a kai or petrol voucher, a sunscreen pack, a kai pack and a gift they chose for themselves (some donated by local businesses).

We were very appreciative of Bunnings Nelson, which donated a lovely gift basket, and to Sealord, which donated kaimoana and funds to transport wāhine to the event.

The day ran at a comfortable and relaxed pace, giving wāhine lots of time to have a kōrero with nurses about their health. One of the successes of the Mana Wāhine model of care is the health kōrero that results in wāhine asking to be referred into services such as Te Hā (smokefree), Tamariki Ora and cancer screening.

Photo captions, clockwise from top left:

• Kai basket and giveaways to make the day even more enjoyable

• Lorraine Staunton undertakes a health check with a Mana Wāhine participant

• Hamish Brown receiving a donation of kaimoana from Sealord’s Annabel Scaife

• One of the wonderful wāhine who attended Mana Wāhine

Whānau feedback about Mana Wāhine hauora days

• “When you walked in it looked like Christmas. They had a table with prizes that the wāhine could choose from, a bit like a lucky dip.”

•  “Kai parcels, some feminine hygiene products and sunscreen were given to whānau.”

•  “Overall, it was another great Mana Wāhine day.”  “It was an inviting experience, they made it better than going to a GP.”

•  “Everyone is super lovely and made me feel comfortable.”

•  “Being able to share and speak about my medical worries with the nurse today was awesome.”

•  “Just to have caring people listen and give advice and not feel ashamed in sharing.”

•  “Friendliness of the staff made me feel less worried and much more confident.”

•  “Being able to chat with the nurse was very helpful and have the time to chat was valuable.”

•  “The service was amazing, informed me of everything very thoroughly.”

•  “Keep striving forward wāhine ma for our Māori health and wellbeing, this was such an awesome experience.”

•  “Was an easy nice way to do health checks.”

Lets kōrero about what matters most

By Tania Smith - Kaiāwhina / Kaiatawhi (Community and service support / Health promotion and prevention)

A warm welcome from Summer Stronach (left) and Marissa Pou.

Hauora days held at Franklyn Village gave whānau an opportunity to kōrero freely about their hauora and wellbeing. Here is Tania’s pakiwaitara:

We have recently had the privilege of hosting two ‘Kia Piki tō Ora’ hauora days for Franklyn Village whānau.

The kaupapa for the first event was to invite kōrero about ‘what matters the most when it comes to your hauora’. This was informative kaupapa for whānau engagement with whakawhanaungatanga. A good group of whānau participated, asking questions and enjoying the spot prizes and kai at the end.

The kaupapa for the second event was to manaaki whānau with clear hauora information. We did this ‘expo-style’ with stalls for immunisation, cancer screening, diabetes, smokefree, nutrition and more.

It was encouraging to see a good number of whānau attend and fabulous kōrero happening. Kaimahi made it enjoyable for whānau, enabling them time to engage and enjoy the process and kōrero.

We received enquiries and follow-ups, including referrals into services such as cancer screening and Te Hā – quit smoking services. We plan to make hauora days in regular event in 2025.

Whānau feedback about Kia Piki tō Ora hauora days

• “Franklyn Village is based purely on the idea of being a village and people like you and people like us is what makes it a community, so kia ora and thank you so much, it has been really enjoyable.”

• “I think it’s good we’ve got these sorts of services, there’s nothing out there like this for us doing it hard. One of the things we’ve got here is a community and you guys (TPO) are part of that community so the more we see your faces the more we’ll consider you as family. A lot of us get very whakamā and we shouldn’t because it’s about our wellbeing, so having these things encourages us to ask for help.”

Photo captions:

• Left: Maria Briggs (left) and Naomi Johnson kōrero with whānau

• Riht: From left, Naomi Johnson, Hamish Brown and Noi Burgess.

Helping our hapori

Te Piki Oranga kaimahi combined forces with Māori Wardens and volunteer Fire Brigade staff to support the 18th annual Marlborough Foodbank Street Appeal on 25 November.

Crews of drivers, walkers and packers followed the fire truck sirens around the streets, collecting food and monetary donations from the community.

It was wonderful to see children waiting patiently for the fire engine to come into their street, handing over their donations, getting a wave and a burst of the siren in reward.

The generosity of the Marlborough community will once again assist those affected by the cost of living crisis.

Photo captions: Left: Teanna Scoon (aka ‘Speed runner’) and right, the A-team combining forces to collect kai donations for food bank.

Self-expression through mahi toi

By Karena Martin - Pūkenga Manaaki (Mental Health)

For Mental Health Awareness Week in September, CARE Marlborough hosted an exhibition of mahi toi (artwork) made by its members – one of whom is Te Piki Oranga whānau Hinekura Omapii. Here is Karena’s pakiwaitara:

Hinekura has found art an excellent way to express herself. She says that creating her mixed-media piece, ‘Tapu Pounamu Taonga’, using clay and harakeke helped her “process grief in a healthy, gentle way”.

This was the first public exhibition that Hinekura has taken part in, and she now has the confidence to further extend her abilities.

Hinekura returned here from the North Island after about 14 years. She was previously my client and she remembered me and re-engaged once reinstated at Witherlea House in 2023.

Hinekura found out about CARE Marlborough via Witherlea House and joined not long after she came to Blenheim. She is a ‘joiner’ and likes to learn new skills.

Hinekura is involved with a few services locally and appreciates the kindness and mahi done on her behalf. In turn, we enjoy her company, independence and the hard work she does to achieve her goals.

Photo captions: Hinekua Omapii with her mahi toi ‘Tapu Pounamu Taonga’, made of clay and harakeke.

Kōrero mai: Introducing Alaine Huata

A Q&A with Alaine Huata, Kaiwhakahaere Hinengaro (Mental Health and AoD Service Manager)

Kia ora Alaine, can you share your pepeha with us?

Ko Whakapunake te maunga

Ko te Waiau me Wairoa Hōpūpū Hōngenengene Matangirau ngā awa

Ko Takatimu te waka

Ko Ramoto Kireara te marae

Ko Te Poho o Rākaihākeke te urupā Ko Ngāti Kahungunu te iwi

Ko Ngāti Mihi rāua ko Ngāti Pāhauwera nga hapū

Ko Alaine Huata ahau.

What has your journey been to this role with Te Piki Oranga?

I have worked in mental health and addictions since the late 1990’s when I graduated from the Christchurch Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Nursing.

Prior to this I travelled overseas, with no qualifications, and realised I needed a career that would help me continue to travel. Little did I know, this idea would lead me to a lifelong career in health and wellbeing and walking alongside others.

I joined the ranks as a new graduate on the NESP programme (New Entrant Specialist Program) for mental health, and haven’t looked back. I’ve worked in many areas: acute mental health, community care management, rangatahi and tamariki mental health and older persons’ care.

It was when I started working alongside kaimahi who support whānau that my passion for a whānau-centred approach pulled me towards organisations like Te Piki Oranga.

What is it like being a Kaiwhakahaere Hinengaro and a mental health clinical specialist in general?

Nothing has changed about who I am, rather I have been given the privilege to be a kaitiaki for this treasured space that whānau pass through at various stages. This role feels like a natural progression.

He whakaaro on how your mahi aligns to Te Piki Oranga kitenga – Me whakahaumanu te mana o te whānau ā, ka haere whakamua (revitalise whānau for their future)?

Integrating Māori values and practices into my work helps me stay focused on what matters. Restoring and maintaining cultural identity and mana of whānau is always in the forefront of my mind. This cultural connection is crucial for whānau sense of belonging and ongoing growth.

Is kaupapa Māori mental health and wellbeing a good career for rangatahi to consider when leaving kura? There are endless opportunities in this line of work and in a hugely rewarding kaupapa. Being relatable and having a good attitude can be the start of anyone’s career in this area.

Te Puāwai he Kākano - a new era in maternity and early years services

By Cathleen Walker, Pūkenga Kaiwhakahaere Te Puāwai he Kākano

“Poipoia te kākano, kia puāwai
- Nurture the seed and it will blossom
”

This year, Te Piki Oranga was awarded a major new contract to provide maternity and early years services. Te Puāwai he Kākano is currently available to whānau in Whakatū / Nelson, described here by Cathleen Walker:

Te Puāwai he Kākano was created by integrating existing services and weaving through a new model of care where we engage with whānau throughout their journey into parenthood and for their child’s first 2,000 days.

Critically, our service is grounded in Te Ao Māori. Our multi-disciplinary teams offer culturally responsive care – from preconception to conception, from antenatal to postnatal support. By building relationships with midwives and lead maternity carers (LMCs), we can enrol whānau, and start to support them, early in their pregnancy. We offer:

• Wānanga Hapūtanga

•  Tamariki Ora Well Child services  Lactation consultancy

•  In-home immunisation

•  Te Hā Aukati Kaipaipa (smokefree support)

•  Social work and pūkenga manaaki navigation  

• Gestational diabetes services

Cathleen Walker

Wānanga Hapūtanga – kaupapa Māori antenatal classes

An exciting new option for expectant whānau, our wānanga provide māmā and pāpā or support partner with a blend of knowledge about contemporary and traditional Māori birthing practices.

Wānanga Hapūtanga are led by our antenatal educators, experienced midwives, nurses and whānau navigators.

We create a safe and intimate space for whānau to learn and explore the processes of birthing and parenting practice, with a focus on the early days.

Whānau get to meet the amazing kaimahi available to support their parenting journey, from hapūtanga until their tamariki is five years old.

We are fortunate to have a team of wonderful kairaranga who attend our wānanga to share their expertise and mātauranga by teaching whānau to create their own muka-aho tāngaengae, ties made from harakeke to tie off the umbilical cord of pēpi.

Elevating antenatal options for whānau Māori with wānanga for midwives and LMCs.

Through Te Puāwai he Kākano, Te Piki Oranga can also support the professional development of midwives and lead maternity carers (LMCs) in the Whakatū rohe.

Just as our Wānanga Hapūtanga are a safe and intimate space for whānau to learn and explore, our Wānanga Muka-aho Tāngaengae are a nurturing space for midwives and LMCs to learn the tradition of muka-aho tāngaengae (ties made from harakeke), and how to use them to tie off the umbilical cord between pēpi and māmā.

The first Tāngaengae Wānanga this year was a significant event – the first of its type for Whakatū.

As more whānau choose to make muka-aho tāngaengae part of their birth plans, the knowledge these wānanga provide midwives and LMCs means that these amazing healthcare professionals can then correctly awhi whānau to make it happen.

Ngā mihi Brittany – Rhodes Scholar

Brittany Dick is a taituarā (administrator) with Te Puāwai He Kākano at our Waimeha health hub. In November she was awarded a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

Brittany is one of three exceptional university students from Aotearoa New Zealand to be awarded a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship this year.

She is the fourth Māori scholar, among 250 scholars from Aotearoa in total, to be named a Rhodes Scholar in the past 120 years.

Established in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international scholarship programme, bringing outstanding young people together from around the world to study at the University of Oxford in England.

As a Rhodes Scholar, Brittany joins an elite group that includes American politician James Fulbright, renowned astronomer Edwin Hubble and, in New Zealand, Bryan Gould (former MP and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato) and Merata Wheturangi Kawharu, known for her work in education and her family's significant connections to Oxford University.

A valued kaimahi with Te Piki Oranga

Tumuaki Anne Hobby says that she is delighted for Brittany and her whānau, as are the many hoamahi Brittany works with at Te Piki Oranga.

“These scholarships are highly coveted and the Rhodes selection panel, chaired by the Governor-Dame Cindy Kiro, undertakes an incredibly robust process to select the best ākonga to represent Aotearoa.

“Ākonga have to excel academically but they are also selected for their leadership, personality and potential to make this world a better place,” Anne says.

Introducing Brittany

The following haurongo (biography) was first published on the Rhodes Trust website and has been edited here.

Brittany Dick’s (Kāi Tahu) passion for storytelling in the indigenous world has taken her to seven countries during her undergraduate degree to seek out indigenous voices and stories.

She graduated from Minerva University in San Francisco, USA, with a Bachelor of Arts in Historical Forces and Arts and Literature. While studying, Brittany has worked for Te Piki Oranga and Te Korowai Manaakitanga Trust.

In her mahi with Te Piki Oranga, Brittany applies the knowledge gained during her undergraduate dissertation on Māori pregnancy and childbirth traditions to her mahi with Wānanga Hapūtanga and Well Child Tamariki Ora services.

At Oxford University, Brittany intends to continue uplifting indigenous voices from the past by studying history from a Māori perspective.

Brittany receiving her scholarship from Governor-General Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro.