Te Piki Oranga is rolling out a pilot programme to help people take more control over their health and wellbeing through a better understanding of their cultural identity.
Te Ata Pūao has been developed in recognition of the low to medium anxiety levels people are experiencing following the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it has had on jobs, security, families and mental health.
Programme facilitator Charles Clover says the course has been developed to support positive changes that will improve Māori health and wellbeing through a better understanding of Te Ao Māori.
“Through Te Ata Pūao, participants will develop an awareness of their whakapapa and answer questions about their culture and whānau, developing an understanding of how this can affect personal health and wellbeing.
“This is a chance for Māori to explore the complexity of their whakapapa, and look at how their thoughts and feelings affect their actions. We will show people how they can take more control of their own health and wellbeing and feel more at home in Te Ao Māori in a fun, supportive learning environment,” says Charles.
Te Ata Pūao programme will run once a week for 2.5 hours a week over six weeks, and will work through a bi-cultural health model to develop a health and wellbeing plan that participants can continue to develop once they have finished the course.
The course will be delivered in three parts, exploring culture and identity, developing a holistic approach to your health and wellbeing, and working with professional support services to make long-term improvements to health and wellbeing.
Te Ata Pūao will be delivered for tāne, wāhine and whānau, at locations in Whakatū and Wairau. For more information contact Charles Clover by calling 0800 ORANGA (0800 672 642).
