For Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, we’re highlighting some of the great work that various kaupapa Māori alcohol and other drug support services do throughout the motu.
And we’re asking them what kupu (words) best describe their approach.
Today, we talk to Jeremy Tumoana from Te Paepae Arahi in Te Awakairangi (Hutt Valley).
What services do Te Paepae Arahi provide?
We have three decades of experience working with whānau in the Te Awakairangi region.
Our expertise is in supporting whānau in distress, to overcome adversity and un-wellness, to identify their aspirations and goals, and to create achievable and measurable intervention/support plans and outcomes.
Our services include mental health and wellbeing support, advocacy and appointment support and alcohol and other drug counselling.
We combine a kaupapa Māori model of care with mainstream clinical practices to build positive connection to self, culture, community and whānau.
How did you and your clients cope with lockdown?
We have learnt much from the previous lockdown, and we have been able to adapt very quickly, again with the support of our funders also this time round. Our main learning is that we have a key function to bring vital support and connection to our most vulnerable communities, and since we have met the challenge previously, we can do so over and over for however many lockdowns we need to work through to win this war against COVID.
Could you share a recent success that you're really proud of?
We have established a collaborative initiative with four other Māori mental health and addiction providers called “Te Ringa Whakawhiti” (The hand that makes it shine) and are developing a range of new service approaches from new government funding (He Ara Oranga).
A bonus question for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - could you tell us three kupu that you think best describe what Te Paepae Arahi does or what your values are?
E kore he hapa – tika, pono & aroha.
Without a doubt – tika (correct way), pono (right or best way) & aroha (with love and empathy)
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