Mental health and addictions support programme Te Ata Pūao is now available in the Wairau rohe.
Te Ata Pūao supports people experiencing mild to medium mental health and/or addiction issues, including rangatahi who may not be eligible for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
Te Ata Pūao began as a pilot programme in 2021 to support whānau in rural communities at a time when the effects of COVID-19 were exacerbating anxiety and dependency on drugs and alcohol.
In 2023 the programme was redeveloped as a permanent service offering, starting in Wairau with recruitment underway soon afterwards for a Whakatū-based programme.
Kaimahi include:
pūkenga hauora hinengaro (mental health clinicians)
pūkenga manaaki (whānau navigators)
tautoko ahurea (cultural support workers)
Kaimahi work with tāngata whaiora (people seeking wellness and balance), and their whānau to provide support, treatment and therapy.
Rachelle Tauroa, Kaiawhi Hangarau Whakaaturanga, was pivotal in establishing Te Ata Pūao. Rachelle says the programme has a focus on early detection, so that support can be provided sooner rather than later, and on supporting tāngata whaiora to become more resilient and able to cope with life’s challenges.
“The service expands the reach of other Te Piki Oranga mental health and addictions services, to increase equity of access, address whānau needs in a more holistic manner, reduce wait times, and improve outcomes,” Rachelle says.
“We use a kaupapa Māori model that focuses on positive aspirations to obtain hauora, recognising that hauora aligns with tikanga Māori and Māori cultural standards.”
From left, Mahia Matika and Aiden Broughton (both pukenga manaaki) and David (‘Chook’) Norgate (tautoko ahurea) are members of an expanding Te Ata Pūao team.
