New Generation of Practitioners Bring Fresh Ideas

This Mental Health Awareness month we are shining the light on the dedicated kaimahi behind Ora Toa Mauriora services and the fresh thinking helping shape the future of mental health care for whānau. Through the Tū Te Wehi and Piki teams, nurses, counsellors and clinical psychologists are combining clinical expertise with culturally grounded approaches to support whānau through life’s challenges.

Communities are facing increasingly complex mental health and wellbeing challenges, creating a need for services that are flexible, responsive and grounded in the realities of whānau lives. The Mauriora teams continue to adapt their approach to meet these changing needs.

The teams work within a model of healthcare called Mauri Ora, weaving in culturally relevant systems to support whānau in a more holistic way that recognises the importance of culture, identity and individual circumstances.

Referrals come through Ora Toa medical centres and the wider PHO network, with the philosophy “every door is the right door” when someone needs support.

Tū Te Wehi provides specialist clinical mental health and addictions support, while the Piki team focuses on rangatahi and young adults aged 18 to 28 years. Together, the teams support a client base that is predominantly Māori and Pacific, reflecting the communities they serve.

The team has young Māori clinicians coming into the profession with a totally different way of working – recognising every person is different, every situation is different – and these bright young sparks understand that.

Many kaimahi are also strengthening their own cultural knowledge alongside their professional practice. With support from cultural advisors and kaumātua with valuable knowledge in the iwi, they are deepening their understanding of tikanga, local history and identity to better support their mahi and the whānau they work with.

While mental health services continue to face growing demand, the team remains optimistic about the future. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we acknowledge the skill, compassion and innovation of the kaimahi who walk alongside whānau to strengthen their wellbeing, while helping to shape a stronger future for mental health care.

The Ora Toa Mauriora team. From Left to Right: Back: Jaiden Cancian, Andrea Wineera, Catherine Pihema, Emily Fatu, Teresa Lamont; Front: Bailey Ros, Ellie Petaera-Rukuwai