Strengthening Whanaungatanga in Mental Health and Addictions Services
We’re pleased to share the release of a new report: Mental Health and Addiction Collaborative Redesign of Services.
This kaupapa brings together Te Oranganui and Te Whatu Ora Whanganui, uniting Māori and mainstream approaches to better support whānau. At the heart of this mahi are two key initiatives:
Te Hāpainga – a marae-based, whānau-centred healing journey for alcohol and drug recovery, reconnecting tangata whaiora with identity, community, and purpose.
Shared Triage Referral Pathways – a new system that makes it simpler and kinder for whānau to access support, reducing confusion and creating more connected care from the very first step.
Together, these initiatives are reshaping how services are experienced – grounded in tikanga, equity, and collective leadership. Whānau and kaimahi voices have guided every step, ensuring solutions are meaningful, culturally safe, and responsive.
This report captures the learnings so far, what’s working well, and the opportunities ahead. It’s a reminder that when community leads, real system change is possible.
Chy Potaka-Osborne
Lead Systems Innovator
Waiora Whānau
Healthy Families Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu
Email: cheyenne.potaka-osborne@teoranganui.co.nz