29/09/2026
How do our Kaimahi practice a whānau first, tikanga based, wellbeing approach in their mahi?
Kono, one of our Youth Mentors shares his kōrero:
"My approach is holistic, relationship based and culturally grounded. It is not task focused or crisis only support, it is consistent, multi-layered care. I stand alongside the young person in areas of their life enabling them to create safety, stability, growth, reconnection, so they can work towards overall independence.
I recognise that behaviour is not the problem. Unmet needs, trauma, disconnection, and systemic barriers are.
Whānau First – before services begin
I start with whanaungatanga, before initials, before appointments, before plans.
I build trust through consistency and by giving them space to open up about family trauma without judgement.
Tikanga-Based - Emotional & Trauma Support
In a nutshell, without being a therapist, it’s holding space. Asking reflective questions, validating their experiences, working with them to unpack complicated relationships, normalising feelings without excusing harmful behaviour and just sitting in silence where needed.
Wellbeing Approach - Cultural & Identity Reconnection
This is a big one in my mahi, this includes returning with taiohi to their marae and supporting their reconnection to whakapapa. Understanding the role of whānau is important, even when whānau dynamics are unsafe and I sit in this space with taiohi, supporting by holding both accountability and aroha.
I believe that reconnection to identity builds belonging, belonging builds regulation and regulation builds better decisions."
