Voices of Whānau
Ngāruawāhia : Waikato
Ka kōkiri ngā tīkanga o nehe rā,
Ka kōkiri ngā tīkanga o nāianei,
Kia tū ngātahi te whānau,
Hei whānau kaha, hei whānau ora.
We stand together as one,
gathering the knowledge of the past
and the knowledge here today,
to help our whānau blossom
in this ever-changing world around us.
In the heart of Ngāruawāhia, is the “Voices of Whānau” initiative. Taking active steps towards suicide prevention, this whānau-based project is a response to seeing an increased risk of local bereaved whānau, attempting suicide themselves when in times of stress or pōuri.
Through this programme, the voices of bereaved whānau are heard. This approach enables whānau to articulate what they need, while moving through a healing journey, developing and exploring strategies together to wellness.
Throughout discussions and planning pathways to wellness, whānau are directed to appropriate services to enable them to access healing and well-being opportunities. Through participation and advocacy, whānau experience an equitable approach to their health opportunities and begin the realisation of their tino rangatiratanga in the world.
Through working together and sharing with people of similar circumstances, a sense of kotahitanga (or solidarity) is reaffirmed to enable whānau to move forward in a supported way.
“Māku anō tōku nei whare e hanga, ko ngā pou o roto he māhoe he patatē, ko te tāhūhū he hīnau”
“I will make my own house, made of the smaller trees of the forest”.
Te Tongi o Kiingi Tāwhiao
*This whānau initiative is proudly supported by Te Au (and Te Rau Ora) through the Māori Suicide Prevention Fund (2020-2021).