A new project that explores what’s important to Māori with disabilities and their whānau has been supported by Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency for the South Island.
Hei Whakapiki Mauri is free for all Māori with disabilities and their whānau in Christchurch and Canterbury. The concept is to bring together disabled Māori, whānau and support people to kōrero about what was important to them. Seven workshops will take place before the end of the first term in 2017. A larger hui will be held during the April school holidays, 14-30 April, to showcase what has been achieved.
Kaiwhakahaere Ruth Jones explains why she and husband Gary Williams took on the challenge of the Whānau Ora approach. “We wanted to raise the mauri of people with disabilities and bring them closer together with their culture and whānau. That’s why we chose the name,” says Ruth.
The Hei Whakapiki Mauri tohu was designed to represent togetherness and shows different koru coming together in one kete. The project is about giving disabled Māori the knowledge and resources to be who they want to be. The goals of the hui are wide-reaching. By attending you will:
- Build your knowledge and confidence in te ao Māori
- Discover what’s important to you, your aspirations and map your journey
- Learn to navigate the disability and funding systems
- Build relationships with like-minded whānau.
Through Hei Whakapiki Mauri, you and your whānau can explore what is important to you through whakapapa, tikanga and reo.
And if this kaupapa sounds like you, maybe you’re interested in applying for the role of a Whānau Ora Navigator. The Navigator will support disabled Māori to become active members of their communities and plan for the future they want through one-on-one facilitation and mentoring. Apply via Seek or directly to j[email protected] Applications close at 5pm on Friday 10 February.
Find out more: http://www.kanohikitekanohi.org/
