Rethinking drinking

Over the raumati break you might see our new health promotion video campaign called Te Pito Mata - calling for whānau to rethink their drinking over the Christmas holiday.

The videos ask people to consider how and when social drinking can become harmful, with the overall goal of reducing the amount of alcohol we drink.

Whakataukī (Māori proverbs) inspire and encourage whānau to consider behaviours that support their growth, to plan ahead for future generations and to consider alternatives to alcohol when facing social pressure to drink or other challenging situations.

You will see one video focusing on the risks of drinking while hāpu. The other two highlight the impact of social drinking, and its potential harm, on whānau – particularly tamariki and rangatahi.

"In the lead up to Christmas, we want to reach people's hearts and minds," says Charles Clover, Te Ata Pūao programme coordinator, who narrates two of three videos. "We want whānau to know they are all worthy of good health.

"We also want to let everyone know of the many services we have available - our navigators, doctors, programme facilitators and clinicians are here to discuss hauora options with you."

Sonia Hepi-Treanor, who narrates the third video, reminds wāhine there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and encourages those who are planning to be hāpu to contact Te Piki Oranga Māori Wellness Services for advice.

Look out for the videos on Te Piki Oranga’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and on tpo.org.nz over raumati.

"Whānau can click on links and self assess before making the choice to change their behaviour and deciding to commit to a health service journey," says Charles.

Ngā Pūkenga Toitu Te Ora, a Waipiro me Tarutaru Kino (alcohol and other drug counsellors) will be available to support those who want to make changes.

Charles would like to acknowledge ‘Te Hiringa Hauora Health Promotions’ for offering this opportunity to promote alcohol reduction messages to the communities of Te Tauihu. He also acknowledges alcohol.org.nz who do an awesome job by offering freely accessible information and acting as a community/digital connector.

Graduates champion the “Stop Meth Use” programme

Graduates champion the “Stop Meth Use” programme

Kia Taumata Te Oranga methamphetamine programme was launched in Stoke in October. Within the year it has had its first two graduates, Colby Kelly and Joseph Batchelor. The completed eight months of the community-based, abstinence treatment programme and more than 100 hours of face-to-face group attendance time.

In acknowledgement of their part in our ‘Te Piki Oranga, Ngaru tuatahi’ first wave, Colby and Joseph were actively instrumental in helping us pioneer and shape the programme.

Their contribution to the group and overall programme, the sharing of their wealth of experience, and knowledge of methamphetamine helped catapult the programme.

“I could have continued making my recovery on my own but found that being on the programme helped me gain further tools and understanding,” said Joseph. “The programme covered extensive conversations that I may not have thought of by myself, which I felt was relevant to me and my recovery journey. I had been declined other services but heard of the Te Piki Oranga Kia Taumata Te Oranga methamphetamine programme. Today I’m proud of the milestones that I achieved.”

Colby agrees, and he felt that additionally, the programme allowed him to be himself, to share with like-minded people, and having the ability to learn from each other, support each other’s stories and journeys. He felt the programme was highly needed and he could think of many other people who might benefit from it. He would like to continue attending as part of his ongoing commitment to his recovery and responsibilities of maintaining change.

Nga tino mihi ki a korua kua eke ki runga I te taumata otira te mutunga o te wa kia korua me o korua mahi i waenganui I a matou, Kia Taumata Te Oranga, Te Piki Oranga.

As Joseph and Colby progressed in their recovery, they became an inspiration to the other Matrix programme whānau/clients, especially those who were in the early stages of recovery, or those who thought that abstinence was impossible. They are role models that everyone looks up to.