PĀNUI
NEWS
He Waka Tapu & Poutini Waiora AOD Wānaka
27 / 08 / 2025
On the 25th and 26th of August 2025, Poutini Waiora and He Waka Tapu came together at Arahura Marae, Hokitika, to host a two-day wānaka focused on supporting kaimahi and whānau across Te Tai o Poutini who are working in the AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) space.
This kaupapa created a safe and supportive environment for connection, kōrero, and learning, while exploring ao Māori approaches to addressing addiction and strengthening wellbeing.
Poutini Waiora a kaupapa Māori organisation on the West Coast, co-facilitated the wānaka. Their mahi much like ours is grounded in tikanga Māori and focuses on empowering whānau to achieve their aspirations.
Over the two days, participants engaged in:
Community Connection, building and strengthening whanaungatanga through shared kai and kōrero.
Kōrero from whānau with lived experience, offering real-life insights into recovery and resilience.
Cross Collaboration, encouraging kaimahi and whānau to work together across services.
Designing Resources, practical tools to take back and use in supporting whānau.
In-depth kōrero on AOD/Meth Harm, exploring the challenges, impacts, and solutions within our communities.
"This noho provided a valuable opportunity to establish and deepen relationships with our whānau in the region, laying foundations for ongoing collaboration and support."
Reflections from the Noho.
Some of our kaimahi from He Waka Tapu, together with graduates of our 8-week residential programme, attended this two-day wānaka to support whānau on the West Coast.
A strong focus was placed on building relationships and strengthening whanaungatanga, particularly around the AOD challenges currently impacting Te Tai o Poutini.
This wānaka provided a valuable opportunity to establish and deepen relationships with our whānau in the region, laying foundations for ongoing collaboration and support.
A Shared Kaupapa.
This wānaka was open to anyone wanting to expand their kete of tools and knowledge in supporting whānau. Whether a kaimahi working in the sector, or a whānau member wanting to learn more, the kaupapa offered something for everyone.
We are grateful to our whānau from He Waka Tapu for sharing their expertise and creating a collaborative space for this important kōrero. Together, we continue to strengthen our communities and support whānau on their journey toward wellbeing.
