Programmes
Our four kaupapa Māori programmes combine traditional tikanga with clinical expertise to create safe, bespoke learning spaces where whaiora can rebuild their identity, develop resilience, and start their journey to freedom.
OUR PROGRAMMES
Transforming Lives Through Cultural Healing
Each programme is designed with tikanga at its heart, delivered by qualified facilitators who understand the recovery journey.
Mahi Toi
Creative Arts Therapy Programme
Mahi Toi is a kaupapa Māori art therapy programme that helps whaiora heal through creativity and self-expression. Many participants carry trauma, disconnection, or struggle to express emotions with words – this programme offers a safe space to explore their journey through art, reflection, and wānanga. Each session blends tikanga, wairuatanga, and trauma-informed practice, allowing whaiora to process their experiences, reconnect to their identity, and express themselves freely. This isn’t about being an artist – it’s about finding meaning, release, and hope through creative expression. Facilitated by Hinarera Lambert (Ngāpuhi, Ngāiterangi), who brings over 30 years of experience in creative arts, this programme provides a calm, supportive environment where whaiora can discover strengths they never knew they had.
What to Expect
– Creative art sessions using various mediums and techniques
– Reflection and wānanga to explore personal journey and growth
– Integration of tikanga Māori and cultural symbols in artistic expression
– Group sharing and peer support in a safe, non-judgmental environment
– Take-home creations that represent personal progress and healing
Who This Programme Serves
Whaiora seeking alternative ways to process emotions, trauma, or experiences that may be difficult to express through words alone.
Programme Outcomes
Participants develop emotional regulation, build confidence, restore sense of purpose, and often discover creative talents while processing their recovery journey.
Manu Pukuriri
anger management programme
Manu Pukuriri is a kaupapa Māori anger management programme designed for whaiora dealing with addiction, trauma, and emotional dysregulation. Many participants have histories of violence, offending, or gang life, and this programme provides a safe space to understand and transform these patterns. This programme blends tikanga, mātauranga Māori, and wairuatanga with clinical tools like CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed practice. Co-facilitated by Bessina Pehi (qualified AOD clinician with lived experience) and Stu Eiao (qualified AOD clinician), participants learn to recognise triggers, regulate emotions, and strengthen relationships. The focus is on understanding the roots of anger — not just controlling it, but transforming it into strength and connection. Through regular check-ins and clear goals, whaiora stay accountable while building self-awareness and cultural pride.
What to Expect
– Group sessions combining tikanga Māori with clinical anger management techniques
– Learning to identify triggers and early warning signs of anger escalation
– Practical tools for emotional regulation using both cultural and clinical approaches
– Exploring the connection between anger, trauma, and addiction
– Building healthy communication and relationship skills
– Cultural practices that promote calm and self-determination
Who This Programme Serves
Whaiora who struggle with anger, emotional regulation, or have histories of violence, and are ready to transform these patterns into positive change.
Programme Outcomes
Participants develop improved emotional regulation, better relationships, reduced conflict, and the ability to channel anger into constructive action and personal growth.
AOD Education
Alcohol and Drug Education Programme
Our AOD Education programme provides whaiora with kaupapa Māori, clinical, and practical tools to understand addiction and build a strong foundation for recovery. Many participants have struggled with substance use, justice involvement, and disconnection from culture — this programme brings those worlds together in a safe, supportive space. Using both evidence-based models and tikanga Māori, we explore addiction cycles, triggers, coping strategies, and the impacts on whānau. We also focus on identity, emotional wellbeing, and making positive, lasting change. This isn’t just education — it’s a chance to understand your journey and take real steps toward freedom. The programme combines clinical knowledge with cultural wisdom, helping whaiora understand not just what addiction is, but why it happened and how to move beyond it. Participants gain tools that work in real-world situations while rebuilding their connection to identity and purpose.
What to Expect
– Comprehensive education about addiction, its causes, and recovery pathways
– Understanding of how substances affect the brain, body, and relationships
– Exploration of personal triggers and development of healthy coping strategies
– Learning about the connection between addiction, trauma, and mental health
– Cultural approaches to healing and understanding addiction through a Māori lens
– Practical tools for maintaining recovery and preventing relapse
Who This Programme Serves
Whaiora seeking to understand their addiction, develop recovery tools, and build a strong foundation for long-term sobriety and healing.
Programme Outcomes
Participants leave feeling informed, empowered, and connected to both clinical and cultural tools that support meaningful, lasting recovery and personal transformation.
Te Reo Māori
Language and Cultural Reconnection Programme
Our Te Reo Māori programme helps whaiora reconnect with their identity, whakapapa, and sense of belonging. Many participants have grown up disconnected from their reo and tikanga — this programme offers a safe, supportive space to reclaim what was lost. Through language, waiata, karakia, and kōrero, participants begin to rebuild pride in who they are and where they come from. Facilitated by Matua Buck Korewha, who brings deep knowledge of te ao Māori and Ngāpuhi history, this programme uses a direct, practical approach — speak the reo, use the reo, and you’ll learn the reo.
What to Expect
– Learning basic te reo Māori through repetition and daily use
– Practicing waiata, karakia, and cultural protocols
– Exploring personal whakapapa and cultural connections
– Building confidence to use te reo in everyday situations
Who This Programme Serves
Whaiora seeking to reconnect with their cultural identity and strengthen their sense of belonging through language.
Programme Outcome
Participants develop stronger cultural identity, increased pride in their heritage, and practical reo skills that support their overall recovery journey.
Waka Programme
Partnership with Taiamai Heritage Tours
In 2023, we established a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Taiamai Heritage Tours to deliver a waka-based cultural development program for whaiora. This initiative provides participants with hands-on experience in hospitality, powhiri, karakia, waiata, kapa haka, and health and safety protocols, all within a kaupapa Māori environment. It also exposes whaiora to real-world expectations and the tikanga behind manaakitanga and cultural tourism.
What to Expect
Our interactive Waka experience provides participants with unique insights into our ancient customs, rituals and traditions. Your invited to join us and through interactive participation in our culture you will gain a deeper understanding of our cultural values and principles. Our ancient histories and stories are shared with you as we paddle our 40 ft Waka Taua (War Canoe) together on the tidal estuaries of the Waitangi River
Who This Programme Serves
Whaiora seeking to understand their cultural connections, build self-confidence and participate in independence-building activities.
Programme Outcomes
The program has significantly strengthened cultural connection, self-confidence, and identity for participants, while supporting them to engage in pro-social, independence-building activities. It has also opened doors to casual work opportunities and reconnected many whaiora with their whakapapa and sense of purpose.
READY TO START YOUR JOURNEY?
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Our programmes are designed for whaiora ready for change. If you’re willing to submit to the process, trust our team, and follow our kaupapa, we’re here to support your recovery journey.