It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters: it’s who’s around it.

Dr Saba Azeem, Ethan Stapps, Ivy Harper, Sharon Karipa, Tanita Bidois and Sue Quinn. In front: Leanna Pardoe and Sam Selwyn.

 

 

 

 

Our data and outcomes team, Hao Ora, always has a fine eye for detail: they like to focus on patterns and trends, and they are always interested in quality improvement. 

And so it is that in the last week of the year, they decided they would take a photo every day, suitably attired in clothing that matched the Christmas tree of their choice. 

Hao Ora means the great net which captures the essence of whānau and all they are doing – so that we are able to reflect and grow as a collective.   Into this stream, are those with a passion for data and information. We feature them this week.  

Navengers on Tour

Whānau Ora Navigators in Murihiku and Otepoti this week have been meeting up and sharing congratulations for study and qualifications achieved while at the same time reflecting on the year as it has fallen. 

It is a great time to acknowledge all those who have taken up the ARA certificate in Whānau Ora this year, namely: 

Jai Te Ahunga 

Carlos Thompson 

Te Rina Mcgregor  

Waipounamu Te Karu 

Dale Wairau  

Taria Mason  

Sami Hazel  

Puawai Swindells  

Marcia Macdonald  

Te Aroha McCallum  

Mahana Fardley  

Lynette Sollis  

Karyn Andersen  

Colin Townsend  

Kimmy Nolan  

Congratulations also to the following brilliant tauira who have completed the following qualifications. 

 

NZ Certificate in Whānau Ora Level Four: 

Nikki Brown, Ngāti Maniapoto  (Omaka Pā) 

Belinda Purcell, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga – Arowhenua Whānau Services 

Kristal Russell, Kāi Tahu – Arowhenua Whānau Services 

 

NZ Diploma in Whānau Ora Level Four: 

Deedee Bancroft, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau ā Apanui – Omaka Pā  

Sallie Bancroft, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau ā Apanui (māmā)

Kathy Campbell, Ngāi Tahu, Waihao – Mokopuna Ora, Arowhenua Whānau Services 

Megan Hadfield, Ngāti Kahungunu (Maataa Waka ki te Tauihu) 

Inspiring Communities

Recently Whānau Ora featured on the Inspiring Communities website.   Have a read! 

https://inspiringcommunities.org.nz/ic_resource/collective-change-korero/  

Pounamu Portraits

Marewa Hoeta (sole trader) trading as Pounamu Portraits has established a photography business that captures Māori Portraits for whānau.  The beautiful outcome from this initiative is that Pounamu Portraits  connects whānau with their whakapapa as well as enabling whānau to stand strong and be proud of their culture and who they are as individuals as well as whānau. Pounamu Portraits is wanting a provide an holistic service; providing a ‘one stop’ shop to whānau by establishing its own premises and expanding their reach into Māori communities by advertising in school newsletters, contacting small business organizations with special offers and creating mutually beneficial fundraisers with sporting, cultural and community groups and organisations. 

The really exciting development for Marewa in this last quarter has been to purchase a studio (portaom) which is going to be delivered in early 2022. 

 

Kai & Kutz

Kai & Kutz is a small, family-owned business that works off three income streams -a barbershop, selling Pacific Island takeaway food, and selling Pacific Island merchandise. Mahu and Lydia Maireriki had a vision to continue providing and supporting whānau by providing a 24-week programme that: 

  • Provides on the job training, mentoring, skills development that enhances potential, increases competence and confidence development, improves the ability and knowledge, and builds and strengthens the capacity of the participants.
  • Facilitate mentoring and job skills training for youth or adults who lack work experience, confidence, knowledge and/or skills to participate in society.
  • Provides class training including creating a CV, money management, work ethic, opportunity/introduction to learning and training programmes.

This quarter has been all about helping their participants prepare to transition from being employed by Kai and Kutz to being employed with others.  They currently have 4 individuals who transitioned to regular, part-time work.  Two are with their mentoring organisation and two are with a different organisation but in a similar field. They have one additional participant who is seeking work with their support. 

Kai & Kutz also partnered with the staff at the Ashburton District Library to run a CV creation session for three of their youth participants.   The feedback is great, with participants saying they have learnt: 

“how to communicate to strangers”, as well as “i have gained new skills in cooperating with others. I’ve also now have a wider knowledge of the retailing industry; through Kai n Kuts I have gained knowledge about the business world. Ive also gained insight about running a restaurant.” 

Visit of the Chief Ombudsman – Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata

This week the Chief Ombudsman, Judge Peter Bidois; paid a visit to us to receive a briefing on the PUNA fund and its closure.   The Chief Ombudsmen handles complaints and investigates the conduct of state sector agencies.   It was an important opportunity to share our reflections on our view that the wellbeing and welfare of whānau is a collective responsibility – it should not be restricted to just one department. 

Puna Reo – site blessing

This week community members in Kaikōura came together to clear and bless the site of Puna Reo, a Māori medium childcare and education centre that will be constructed at Hapuku School. This project has been driven by community member and reo champion Kahurangi Stone, and this time next year 20 tamariki will be able to enrol at Puna Reo.  

Kia noho haumaru!

Here are some additional resources which might be helpful –  

https://covid19.govt.nz/prepare-and-stay-safe/keep-up-healthy-habits/stay-safe-this-summer/ 

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/covid-19-mental-health-and-wellbeing-resources