Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Mihingare social services provider have launched a new strategy to support whānau into healthy non-violent lifeways at a formal opening at Te Karaiti Te Pou Herenga Waka in Māngere on 14 March. Government represetatives, local dignitaries, church and community representatives were in attendance, including Hon Karen Chhour, Minister for Children and for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence and Bishop of Te Tai Tokerau, Rt Rev Te Kītohi Pikaahu.

Hon Minister Karen Chhour talked about Te Aorerekura and how sexual violence is a key focus of the second phase of the Government's Action Plan that aims to deliver a more streamlined approach to breaking the cycle of harm in families.

“When individuals are strong and resilient, the whole whānau thrives,” she said. She also spoke from the heart about her aspirations for positive change, inviting everyone in the audience “to become someone’s person”.

“Your efforts are worth it. For each person you save, there is another generation who are safer and stronger.”

Bishop Te Kītohi Pikaahu explained how Te Whare's strategy of building cultural connection and centring care in wairuatanga can help whānau to free themselves from violence and become stronger and more resilient for their tamariki.

Natalie Vincent, Chair of Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust, outlined the bold new practical vision for change: a vision for communities where all whānau are supported to thrive, where the cycle of family and sexual violence is broken, and where cultural connection becomes a pathway to healing.

“At Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri, we recognise that meaningful change requires us to address both immediate safety concerns and the deeper roots of harm,” she said. “It requires us to work holistically with all whānau members and approach our work with cultural humility and responsiveness.”

CEO Elizabeth Walker set out in detail the four pillars of change that underpin the Impact Strategy – cultural connection, stronger whānau, safer communities and thriving tamariki. She explained how connecting whānau to their wairuatanga (spirituality) and whakapapa through their unique kaupapa Māori framework creates a sense of belonging and identity, empowering whānau of all ages to break free from unhealthy behaviours and work towards positive change.

Kaimahi and representatives from partner organisations shared the impact of each of these pillars on whānau and within the wider community. Most moving of all, whānau who have turned their lives around with support from Te Whare courageously shared their stories, bringing to life the profound impact of this vital work.

For more information go to: https://tewhare.org.nz/