Whāraurau

16/06/2026

Join us this July for our next Lunchtime learning session 👇

Lunchtime learning: Peer support for eating disorders

Presented by Meg Vardy & Bea Chadda from JourneyED Eating Disorder Support Aotearoa, this session will explore:

▪️ Research on peer support for eating disorders
▪️ The role of eating disorders peer supporters in the workforce
▪️ JourneyED's kaupapa and offerings

👉 Learn more and register here: https://www.wharaurau.org.nz/all-resources/lunchtime-learning-peer-support-for-eating-disorders-02072026

10/06/2026

Last week, Whāraurau Director Abi Milnes and Principal Advisor Lisa Maughan joined Triple P New Zealand and programme providers Fresh Minds, Ngāti Hine Health Trust, and New Settlers Family and Community Trust - NFACT to meet with Hon Louise Upston, Minister for Social Development and Employment and Child Poverty Reduction.

The conversation highlighted the positive impact Triple P has for whānau across Aotearoa, including building parenting confidence, supporting wellbeing, and improving outcomes for tamariki. The programme’s flexibility, its delivery through a diverse workforce, and the importance of connecting whānau with support through trusted relationships were also discussed.

The meeting coincided with the announcement of additional investment in evidence-based parenting initiatives, helping expand access to Triple P programmes for more families across the country.

Learn more about Triple P: https://www.wharaurau.org.nz/all-resources/triple-p-in-aotearoa-an-introduction

📸 L-R: Abi Milnes (Whāraurau), Kirsten Birkett (Ngāti Hine Health Trust), Jackie Riach (Triple P NZ), Michelle Melville-Smith (Triple P NZ), Hon Louise Upston, Fahima Saeid (NFACT), Maria Mokofisi (Fresh Minds), Dr Tania Wilson (Fresh Minds), Lisa Maughan (Whāraurau).

09/06/2026

🎙️ New episode alert!

In Episode 19 of Holding space, we’re joined by Dr Kelly Feng from Asian Family Services (AFS). Kelly shares her journey leadership, her passion for service development, and details all the incredible work AFS does across mental health, gambling harm, and schools.

We also discuss the challenges faced by Asian communities in Aotearoa, why culturally safe care matters, and what a more equitable future could look like.

🎧 Tune in now!

Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/episode/5kZvAKnY0hWMBmwxk9ILd1
Apple Podcasts 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/an-introduction-to-asian-family-services/id1830922007?i=1000771722712

🔗 Learn more about AFS: www.asianfamilyservices.org.nz

26/05/2026

🎧✨ New episode alert!

Episode 18 of Holding space is now live!

This week, we kōrero w/ Whāraurau Principal Advisor Lisa Maughan about the parenting programmes Triple P & Incredible Years. Lisa shares how these programmes support parents, caregivers, teachers, and whānau – and the role Whāraurau plays in strengthening workforce training and delivery across Aotearoa

Listen now 👇

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pYpV3SidOHcLR4DYEBY2X
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/an-introduction-to-the-triple-p-and/id1830922007?i=1000769517527

19/05/2026

New resource: Supporting wellbeing, resilience & effective leadership in Aotearoa | A toolkit for team leaders 💚

This practical toolkit is for leaders working across the infant, child, and adolescent mental health sector to support team wellbeing, lead confidently through change, and strengthen resilience in themselves and their kaimahi.

Designed for everyday use, it can support team hui, one-on-one conversations, or end-of-day reflection in busy environments.

The toolkit was developed collaboratively by Dr Bronwyn Dunnachie from Whāraurau and Wendy Donaldson from Te Pou

Interested in using this in your mahi? Access here: https://www.wharaurau.org.nz/all-resources/supporting-wellbeing-resilience-effective-leadership-in-aotearoa-a-toolkit-for-team-leaders

14/05/2026

We have not one, but TWO sessions of Lunchtime learning sessions coming up this June! 👏

Introduction to Mentalisation Based Therapy for Adolescents (MBT-A)

3 June | 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Join Dr Mark Dangerfield for this online session, which offers a clear introduction to MBT-A, focusing on its relevance for everyday clinical work with rangatahi.

Register 👉 https://www.wharaurau.org.nz/all-resources/lunchtime-learning-introduction-to-mentalisation-based-therapy-for-adolescents-mbt-a-03062026

Substance use and harm reduction: Volatile substances, practical tools, & current trends

4 June | 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Join Spencer Dietrich and Melanie Saxton from NZ Drug Foundation for this online session exploring current substance use trends and harm reduction.

Register 👉 https://www.wharaurau.org.nz/all-resources/lunchtime-learning-substance-use-harm-reduction-volatile-substances-practical-tools-current-trends-04062026

12/05/2026

🎙 Episode 17 of Holding space is now live! In this episode, we talk w/ Professor Vanessa Cobham about how parents and caregivers can navigate tough conversations with children following traumatic experiences.

Vanessa shares practical advice on finding the balance between over-discussing and under-discussing difficult topics, and why staying silent or “letting sleeping dogs lie” can sometimes do more harm than good for tamariki in the long run.

Listen now 👇

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/talking-through-trauma-finding-the-right-balance-with-kids/id1830922007?i=1000767230491
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1JAqZ3J6jEtL3q07IVy2eV

05/05/2026

Consultation is still open on the draft Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy from Ministry of Health New Zealand.

If you have lived and living experience, are part of whānau or communities, work in services, or support others – your perspective is important.

Make a submission by Monday, 18 May 2026. ⏳👇

We’re halfway through consultation — there’s still time to have your say.
Public consultation is open on the draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which will guide how mental health and wellbeing are supported in Aotearoa New Zealand over the next 10 years.

Whether you have lived or living experience, are part of a whānau or community, or support others — your perspective matters.

💬 Take part by making a submission or signing up for one of our online consultation sessions.
🗓️ Consultation open until 18 May 2026

More information below (links in comments).

29/04/2026

🎧 New episode of Holding Space is live!

In this episode, Peter Thorburn shares practical insights on how we can better support rangatahi navigating mental health and addiction challenges, with a focus on connection, understanding, and recovery.

Listen now:

Spotify 👉 open.spotify.com/episode/5LYa2x1Zd5k9rtwzqxNidV
Apple Podcasts 👉 podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/supporting-rangatahi-through-addiction-and-recovery/id1830922007?i=1000763842672

22/04/2026

✨ Whāraurau just released a new video on the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) philosophy! 🎥

It brings together Māori, Pacific, and youth perspectives, with insights from our Youth Mentor & Consumer Advisor Eden Grimwood on how the CAPA philosophy, when done properly, creates services that are respectful, flexible, and able to meet young people’s needs.

👉 You can watch the full video here: https://www.wharaurau.org.nz/all-resources/the-choice-and-partnership-approach-philosophy-video

What is CAPA?

The Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) is a clinical system and continuous improvement model used by CAMHs services. It focuses on personalised care and genuine collaboration with service users and their whānau.

👉 To learn more about CAPA, and the resources available to you, visit our website: https://www.wharaurau.org.nz/all-resources/introduction-to-the-choice-and-partnership-approach-capa