Tautāwhi Wellbeing Service: Kōhanga Reo Pilot Programme

tautaawhi 1a Omea Crombie Social Worker

A ground-breaking initiative, Tautāwhi, has brought inclusive wellbeing services to Kōhanga Reo. 

The need for this service was identified through discussions with whānau and feedback surveys, revealing the struggles with poverty, family violence, substance abuse and budgeting. Many families felt ashamed or feared judgment when seeking outside support.

Tautāwhi Wellbeing Service was developed to offer holistic support aligned with the te whare tapa whā model in a non-intrusive manner, by establishing trust and providing early intervention.

Being embedded within the Kōhanga Reo environment ensures a trusted service is offered. The programme’s on-site presence allows for immediate contact and support when a family member needs assistance or when parents drop off their children and need someone to talk to.

Monthly guest speakers educate whānau on a range of topics in everyday living, situational circumstances and high-risk issues that impact whānau dynamics.

The key distinction of Tautāwhi is that it operates within a Māori framework, providing culturally appropriate support and embracing all elements of tikanga Māori.

Social worker Omea Crombie said funding received from Community Trust South had enabled Tautāwhi to provide essential services.

“We have been able to provide cooked meals on a Monday and Friday which means our tamariki go into the kōhanga week with a full puku and go home on a Friday with a full puku. We can provide kākahu (clothes) and we have provided heating.

“We have also been able to provide wages, which is a big one because without the funding we wouldn’t be able to help the workers/kaimahi we have working,” she said.