In 2016, Kanohi ki te Kanohi launched Hei Whakapiki Mauri, a Whānau Ora initiative that brings together Māori with disabilities and their whānau. We could see a need for a Māori-first approach to disability that was centred on whanaungatanga and whānau supporting one another. Te Pūtahitanga could see a need too and Kanohi ki te Kanohi were fortunate to gain Whānau Ora funding to start Hei Whakapiki Mauri.
The Hei Whakapiki Mauri team. From left: Administrator Shireen, Assistant Aimee, Navigator Waikura and Kaiwhakahaere Ruth and Gary.
Hei Whakapiki Mauri is different
We support people with disabilities to be Māori first; to find their voice and gain confidence; and to connect with other Māori and whānau who know what it’s like. We’re stronger together.
We provide practical, whānau-based support and work 'outside the lines' to respond to the needs of whānau. This can mean helping with anything from the little things that give people their mana, to planning for the future.
“Kotahi te kohao o te ngira e kuhuna ai te miro ma, te miro pango, te miro whero. I muri, kia mau ki te aroha, ki te ture, ki te whakapono”
This whakatauki originated with Potatau Te Wherowhero, the first Māori King. He spoke about how individual threads are weak, but the process of weaving three threads together makes for not only a strong fabric, but they become beautiful and tell a story.
Hui
Our whānau hui are opportunities for whanaungatanga, sharing kai and building skills. Hui themes are decided by whānau and have so far included Te Reo lessons, accessible yoga workshops, healthy kai cooking classes, and general opportunities to gather together at the beach or around the kitchen table to share and learn from one another.
Navigation
Our Whānau Ora Navigator Waikura works with whānau kanohi ki te kanohi to help them find pathways to achieve their goals. Navigation is also about supporting whānau to find their voice and advocate for themselves.
Our whānau
A self-sustaining Whānau Ora initiative
Initially funded by Te Pūtahitanga, Hei Whakapiki Mauri has now become self-sustaining and will soon be an established Trust. In all the work we do at Kanohi ki te Kanohi, we are always aiming for self-sustainability. We want to grow initiatives that others can take on, lead and grow.
At Hei Whakapiki Mauri our whānau continues to grow and members are achieving great things for themselves and their communities. Tamara has established a business, Massey is setting up an accessible walking group in New Brighton, Stewart has reconnected with his Māori Heritage and Elizabeth has created a PATH plan and is now off to University - and these are just some of the many success stories.
Together we are also contributing to the changes that are coming to the Disability Support System, including holding hui with Canterbury Down Syndrome Association and Parent to Parent Canterbury and talking kanohi ki te kanohi with Sacha O’Dea, Programme Lead for System Transformation.
If you’d like to learn more about Hei Whakapiki Mauri, visit our website.