Agency News
Pathway Plans for Everyone

July 04, 2016: What better way to truly understand something than by jumping in and giving it a go yourself?
Recently I became a Whanau Ora client for a couple of weeks to get a true taste of the Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope tool and what it can do for whanau.
P.A.T.H. has been around for a number of years. It helps people achieve their dreams and aspirations in a logical and structured way. It includes painting a picture (literally) of a goal/dream, discovering who is needed to support whanau on their journey, how they want those people or resources to support them, and understanding and clarifying the barriers that may prevent them from achieving their goals.
Community Services Manager Maree Macdonald sums it up well: “We eat with our eyes, so we explore adventure with our eyes.”
Whanau can use pictures, colour and vibrancy to construct the picture of where they are at and where they plan to be. It allows people to set dates, gives quarter-way and half-way marks, and enables people to look at what they already have. I didn’t realize until engaging in this process that I’m actually much closer to my dream than I thought.
My dream: My long-awaited wedding to the father of my son, my partner of 10 years.
But of course, and I can admit it, I have a terrible habit of over thinking things and being a general worrywart, so the idea of planning the wedding had me feeling a tad overwhelmed. It’s obviously meant to be exciting but it felt as though there were multiple hurdles (and so many decisions) along the way.
I sat down with Maree for my first appointment as a client. The first thing she asked me to do was picture, and physically draw my dream. That was the easy part! I’d been envisioning it for a long time – we’ve only been engaged six years after all.
But those hurdles! First there was the dress – a minor detail but a large one to the likes of myself. The problem I had was I’d already found my dream dress but that was two years ago and it was no longer available (trust me – I emailed all 20-something stockists across Australia and New Zealand). Second, where were we actually going to get married? How do you decide on a venue when in your mind everything is already perfect? I’d spent hours imagining the wedding of my dreams on a tropical beach in Rarotonga. How can anything compare?
And so we began. After painting the picture Maree took me through what I had already accomplished, my first steps, my areas of strength, the barriers, and who to engage as support.
Pretty soon I could see the dream actually coming together. Had I really already achieved this much?
What I thought were barriers were simply minor road blocks easily conquered with a clear plan. And soon, I realized the dream was so much closer than I’d thought. Painting the picture had never crossed my mind, but here I could physically see the steps in front of me and it brought everything into perspective.
I had a goal, but now I have a clear plan.
After going through the process myself, it’s easier to see how P.A.T.H. could be used in a multitude of situations. It allows whanau to easily visualize their goal/s and develop a clear vision and the pathway to get there.
I’m happy to report that since I sat down with Maree I’ve spent time searching for great deals online, visiting venues, and the dress debacle has been solved (woohoo) – my dream dress will be recreated by a dressmaker!
Thank you Maree for putting my mind at ease and helping to turn my goal into a reality.
Staff Member
Recently I became a Whanau Ora client for a couple of weeks to get a true taste of the Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope tool and what it can do for whanau.
P.A.T.H. has been around for a number of years. It helps people achieve their dreams and aspirations in a logical and structured way. It includes painting a picture (literally) of a goal/dream, discovering who is needed to support whanau on their journey, how they want those people or resources to support them, and understanding and clarifying the barriers that may prevent them from achieving their goals.
Community Services Manager Maree Macdonald sums it up well: “We eat with our eyes, so we explore adventure with our eyes.”
Whanau can use pictures, colour and vibrancy to construct the picture of where they are at and where they plan to be. It allows people to set dates, gives quarter-way and half-way marks, and enables people to look at what they already have. I didn’t realize until engaging in this process that I’m actually much closer to my dream than I thought.
My dream: My long-awaited wedding to the father of my son, my partner of 10 years.
But of course, and I can admit it, I have a terrible habit of over thinking things and being a general worrywart, so the idea of planning the wedding had me feeling a tad overwhelmed. It’s obviously meant to be exciting but it felt as though there were multiple hurdles (and so many decisions) along the way.
I sat down with Maree for my first appointment as a client. The first thing she asked me to do was picture, and physically draw my dream. That was the easy part! I’d been envisioning it for a long time – we’ve only been engaged six years after all.
But those hurdles! First there was the dress – a minor detail but a large one to the likes of myself. The problem I had was I’d already found my dream dress but that was two years ago and it was no longer available (trust me – I emailed all 20-something stockists across Australia and New Zealand). Second, where were we actually going to get married? How do you decide on a venue when in your mind everything is already perfect? I’d spent hours imagining the wedding of my dreams on a tropical beach in Rarotonga. How can anything compare?
And so we began. After painting the picture Maree took me through what I had already accomplished, my first steps, my areas of strength, the barriers, and who to engage as support.
Pretty soon I could see the dream actually coming together. Had I really already achieved this much?
What I thought were barriers were simply minor road blocks easily conquered with a clear plan. And soon, I realized the dream was so much closer than I’d thought. Painting the picture had never crossed my mind, but here I could physically see the steps in front of me and it brought everything into perspective.
I had a goal, but now I have a clear plan.
After going through the process myself, it’s easier to see how P.A.T.H. could be used in a multitude of situations. It allows whanau to easily visualize their goal/s and develop a clear vision and the pathway to get there.
I’m happy to report that since I sat down with Maree I’ve spent time searching for great deals online, visiting venues, and the dress debacle has been solved (woohoo) – my dream dress will be recreated by a dressmaker!
Thank you Maree for putting my mind at ease and helping to turn my goal into a reality.
Staff Member
Passionate Nurse joins He Puna Waiora

June 07, 2016: Born and bred Southlander Dee Curwood has joined our team at He Puna Waiora.
The avid rugby fan and qualified nurse has enjoyed commuting to and from Dunedin Hospital for the past two and a half years, but decided it was time to come home.
She is excited about her new position as Mauri Ora Community Clinic Nurse at He Puna Waiora and looks forward to interacting in the community and emphasizing the importance of health.
Dee, a mother to three sons and grandmother to three grandchildren, has a passion for Maori health and elderly health.
Outside of work Dee is a passionate rugby fan (especially of the Highlanders and Stags) and enjoys watching "the All Blacks kick some Aussie butt."
She also enjoys getting out with her beloved dog Muntah.
The avid rugby fan and qualified nurse has enjoyed commuting to and from Dunedin Hospital for the past two and a half years, but decided it was time to come home.
She is excited about her new position as Mauri Ora Community Clinic Nurse at He Puna Waiora and looks forward to interacting in the community and emphasizing the importance of health.
Dee, a mother to three sons and grandmother to three grandchildren, has a passion for Maori health and elderly health.
Outside of work Dee is a passionate rugby fan (especially of the Highlanders and Stags) and enjoys watching "the All Blacks kick some Aussie butt."
She also enjoys getting out with her beloved dog Muntah.
Our very own Camp Mother!

May 27, 2016: Supporting and helping people is what our extraordinary disability kaiawhina (aka Camp Mother!) is all about.
Sandra Stiles, who encompasses the words warmth and compassion, started working at Nga Kete 12 years ago at the Maori Support Centre at the Southern Institute of Technology before moving into administration and then disabilities.
Sandra, who was brought up in Tarras (a small farming settlement in Central Otago), says outside of Nga Kete working in the community as a Murihiku Maori Warden is a large part of her life, as well as catering.
“I love seeing everybody happy and content. I love it when there’s food left over and people get to take it home.”
Sandra caters for events such as weddings and rugby clubs but treats it as a hobby and simply asks for a koha for her services.
Sandra’s hobbies encapsulate who she is as a person - she radiates kindness and caring, which naturally spills over into her role at Nga Kete as Disability Information & Advisory Support Kaiawhina.
Sandra says she loves being around the people at Nga Kete, supporting people and being able to help.
She even goes out of her way to attend expos at weekends because she enjoys being able to promote Nga Kete in the community.
Sandra enjoys her role at Nga Kete and intends to stay.
“They will have to sack me to have me leave as I’m here to stay for as long as they want me.”
“I love it here. They are my second Whanau.”
Sandra Stiles, who encompasses the words warmth and compassion, started working at Nga Kete 12 years ago at the Maori Support Centre at the Southern Institute of Technology before moving into administration and then disabilities.
Sandra, who was brought up in Tarras (a small farming settlement in Central Otago), says outside of Nga Kete working in the community as a Murihiku Maori Warden is a large part of her life, as well as catering.
“I love seeing everybody happy and content. I love it when there’s food left over and people get to take it home.”
Sandra caters for events such as weddings and rugby clubs but treats it as a hobby and simply asks for a koha for her services.
Sandra’s hobbies encapsulate who she is as a person - she radiates kindness and caring, which naturally spills over into her role at Nga Kete as Disability Information & Advisory Support Kaiawhina.
Sandra says she loves being around the people at Nga Kete, supporting people and being able to help.
She even goes out of her way to attend expos at weekends because she enjoys being able to promote Nga Kete in the community.
Sandra enjoys her role at Nga Kete and intends to stay.
“They will have to sack me to have me leave as I’m here to stay for as long as they want me.”
“I love it here. They are my second Whanau.”
Our Whare Executive

May 25, 2016: He’s our cleaner, our maintenance man, our whare executive, our multi-talented tane pukumahi – Introducing Donald Wright.
Not that he needs an introduction. Donald has been a part of the team here on and off for about 10 years.
One of Nga Kete’s first ever staff members, Donald started with a role in driving clients to and from appointments, which evolved into supported youth work and cleaning and maintenance, among other roles.
Originally from the Bay of Plenty, Donald moved south in 1982 for a holiday but decided he couldn’t leave. He started working at Tiwai and enjoyed living in Southland.
“It’s a nice place to be - Awesome people.”
Throughout the years Donald has held several job positions in Southland, including care giving, a security guard at the hospital, health care assistant at the mental health unit, a supervisor at Corrections and a bus driver.
And throughout it all, he has continued to work part-time at Nga Kete.
Outside of work, Donald enjoys diving, watching sport, going to the gym, bike riding and hanging out with his family.
And he loves working at Nga Kete, especially the atmosphere and being part of one very large family, he says.
Not that he needs an introduction. Donald has been a part of the team here on and off for about 10 years.
One of Nga Kete’s first ever staff members, Donald started with a role in driving clients to and from appointments, which evolved into supported youth work and cleaning and maintenance, among other roles.
Originally from the Bay of Plenty, Donald moved south in 1982 for a holiday but decided he couldn’t leave. He started working at Tiwai and enjoyed living in Southland.
“It’s a nice place to be - Awesome people.”
Throughout the years Donald has held several job positions in Southland, including care giving, a security guard at the hospital, health care assistant at the mental health unit, a supervisor at Corrections and a bus driver.
And throughout it all, he has continued to work part-time at Nga Kete.
Outside of work, Donald enjoys diving, watching sport, going to the gym, bike riding and hanging out with his family.
And he loves working at Nga Kete, especially the atmosphere and being part of one very large family, he says.
Sexual Violence Prevention Workshop
May 23, 2016:
(The following is a media release from Injury Prevention Aotearoa)
Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Trust and Injury Prevention Aotearoa are partnering to bring highly experienced clinical practitioners Joy Te Wiata and Russell Smith of Korowai Tūmanako to Invercargill to deliver a workshop on the complex and sensitive matter of preventing sexual violence.
The free introductory workshop is for social workers, youth workers and others working to prevent sexual violence, especially those who are newer to the job or who are looking for a refresher.
“The workshop provides people with information to strengthen their confidence in speaking about sexual violence with whānau/families within their homes and communities,” says Jackie Edkins, communications advisor for Injury Prevention Aotearoa.
“Our central message is that prevention of sexual abuse is possible. Perpetrators are not a lost cause. All but five percent can change their ways.”
Smith and Te Wiata have worked with perpetrators and victims in about 600 families. They define sexual violence as any harmful sexual behaviour, from rape to voyeurism, exhibitionism and derogatory sexual remarks.
At the workshop, they will talk about simple prevention strategies people can adopt to minimise harm and prevent sexual offending, whether it’s against children, young people or adults.
“We talk about recognising risky behaviour and signs of possible abuse, and what steps to take next.
“The idea is to get rid of some of the fears that workers might have of what could happen if they ‘look under the carpet’, and so avoid the conversation.”
The free workshop is being held at Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Trust, 92 Spey Street, Invercargill on Friday 3 June 2016 from 9am to 3.30pm. To register go to www.injuryprevention.org.nz.
Ends
BACKGROUND
Joy Te Wiata and Russell Smith of Korowai Tūmanako are clinical practitioners, who bring both Māori cultural values and principles as well as clinical knowledge to their work, drawing on experience from sexual violence prevention education, survivor services and sexual offender treatment.
Injury Prevention Aotearoa is a national voice for injury prevention in New Zealand. As part of our work we organise training opportunities in key areas of injury prevention, including family and sexual violence. As a 50/50 Treaty partnership organisation we promote and support the development of Māori injury prevention initiatives.
For further information contact:
Leanne Romana
Injury Prevention Aotearoa
021 0246 2305
(The following is a media release from Injury Prevention Aotearoa)
Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Trust and Injury Prevention Aotearoa are partnering to bring highly experienced clinical practitioners Joy Te Wiata and Russell Smith of Korowai Tūmanako to Invercargill to deliver a workshop on the complex and sensitive matter of preventing sexual violence.
The free introductory workshop is for social workers, youth workers and others working to prevent sexual violence, especially those who are newer to the job or who are looking for a refresher.
“The workshop provides people with information to strengthen their confidence in speaking about sexual violence with whānau/families within their homes and communities,” says Jackie Edkins, communications advisor for Injury Prevention Aotearoa.
“Our central message is that prevention of sexual abuse is possible. Perpetrators are not a lost cause. All but five percent can change their ways.”
Smith and Te Wiata have worked with perpetrators and victims in about 600 families. They define sexual violence as any harmful sexual behaviour, from rape to voyeurism, exhibitionism and derogatory sexual remarks.
At the workshop, they will talk about simple prevention strategies people can adopt to minimise harm and prevent sexual offending, whether it’s against children, young people or adults.
“We talk about recognising risky behaviour and signs of possible abuse, and what steps to take next.
“The idea is to get rid of some of the fears that workers might have of what could happen if they ‘look under the carpet’, and so avoid the conversation.”
The free workshop is being held at Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Trust, 92 Spey Street, Invercargill on Friday 3 June 2016 from 9am to 3.30pm. To register go to www.injuryprevention.org.nz.
Ends
BACKGROUND
Joy Te Wiata and Russell Smith of Korowai Tūmanako are clinical practitioners, who bring both Māori cultural values and principles as well as clinical knowledge to their work, drawing on experience from sexual violence prevention education, survivor services and sexual offender treatment.
Injury Prevention Aotearoa is a national voice for injury prevention in New Zealand. As part of our work we organise training opportunities in key areas of injury prevention, including family and sexual violence. As a 50/50 Treaty partnership organisation we promote and support the development of Māori injury prevention initiatives.
For further information contact:
Leanne Romana
Injury Prevention Aotearoa
021 0246 2305
A connected community will help prevent suicide

May 18, 2016: Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu has taken up the ‘call to action’ in Suicide Prevention by providing Suicide Prevention training to all 56 staff members at Nga Kete and goes further to challenge other organisations to do the same.
Check out the link below:
http://wakahourua.co.nz/nga-kete-matauranga-pounamu-charitable-trust-kiritahi-firmin-kimiora-trust
Check out the link below:
http://wakahourua.co.nz/nga-kete-matauranga-pounamu-charitable-trust-kiritahi-firmin-kimiora-trust
Joanne Te Tai moves into her new role

May 16, 2016: Busy mother-of-four Joanne Te Tai is proud to be part of Nga Kete – “Such an amazing agency”.
The born and bred Southlander, who has studied social services, started her new position as Clinical Assistant/Kaiawhina at He Puna Waiora this week.
But it hasn’t been the only card up her sleeve.
Joanne started her role at Nga Kete in February last year as an administrator. Then in July she accepted a fill-in position with the smoking cessation team while another staff member was on leave.
Upon the staff member’s return, Joanne was invited to keep her position with the stop smoking team, which she has enjoyed being a part of.
Her brand new position includes communicating with all staff to support patients through their health experience, as well as housekeeping, administration and client re-calls.
Joanne is looking forward to learning new skills, and interacting and supporting both clients and staff.
A mother to four children aged between 9 and 21, Joanne has plenty of commitments outside of work and says she enjoys spending all of her spare time supporting her children in their sporting endeavors.
And super sporty and talented they are – her daughter even represents New Zealand in indoor volleyball and beach volleyball.
Joanne enjoys being a part of Nga Kete, and working alongside “amazing and motivating colleagues”.
“I love the staff and being supported by them. They’re great. Everyone here is so approachable.”
The born and bred Southlander, who has studied social services, started her new position as Clinical Assistant/Kaiawhina at He Puna Waiora this week.
But it hasn’t been the only card up her sleeve.
Joanne started her role at Nga Kete in February last year as an administrator. Then in July she accepted a fill-in position with the smoking cessation team while another staff member was on leave.
Upon the staff member’s return, Joanne was invited to keep her position with the stop smoking team, which she has enjoyed being a part of.
Her brand new position includes communicating with all staff to support patients through their health experience, as well as housekeeping, administration and client re-calls.
Joanne is looking forward to learning new skills, and interacting and supporting both clients and staff.
A mother to four children aged between 9 and 21, Joanne has plenty of commitments outside of work and says she enjoys spending all of her spare time supporting her children in their sporting endeavors.
And super sporty and talented they are – her daughter even represents New Zealand in indoor volleyball and beach volleyball.
Joanne enjoys being a part of Nga Kete, and working alongside “amazing and motivating colleagues”.
“I love the staff and being supported by them. They’re great. Everyone here is so approachable.”
Mark Moore

May 06, 2016: “It’s all about people being empowered.”
These words from third year counselling student Mark Moore who spends two days a week at Nga Kete working alongside our Addiction Services team on a one-year placement.
Mark is a passionate young man who aims to further his career in the field of addictions while working at Nga Kete and eventually land a role working as a guidance counsellor within a school.
“I’m passionate about young people fulfilling their potential and seeing their dreams and aspirations come to pass.”
“It’s all about people being empowered ... having the skills to work through life’s challenges.”
Mark’s enthusiasm lies in the field of youth, which is evident in his working background – which includes voluntary work with youth in Cambodia and community-based youth work in Christchurch.
He has been working at Nga Kete for two months and enjoys being part of a supportive team who help each other achieve the best results for clients.
He adds, Nga Kete is a welcoming and friendly environment to work in and operates professionally with close attention to detail.
Mark will graduate at the end of the year.
These words from third year counselling student Mark Moore who spends two days a week at Nga Kete working alongside our Addiction Services team on a one-year placement.
Mark is a passionate young man who aims to further his career in the field of addictions while working at Nga Kete and eventually land a role working as a guidance counsellor within a school.
“I’m passionate about young people fulfilling their potential and seeing their dreams and aspirations come to pass.”
“It’s all about people being empowered ... having the skills to work through life’s challenges.”
Mark’s enthusiasm lies in the field of youth, which is evident in his working background – which includes voluntary work with youth in Cambodia and community-based youth work in Christchurch.
He has been working at Nga Kete for two months and enjoys being part of a supportive team who help each other achieve the best results for clients.
He adds, Nga Kete is a welcoming and friendly environment to work in and operates professionally with close attention to detail.
Mark will graduate at the end of the year.
Audra Teepa joins the team

April 29 2016: “If you can smile each and every day, your day will always be happy.”
These words emulate our newest member of staff Audra Teepa, who only joined the team this week but has already become a well known smiling face around the office.
Audra, who joined our Te Piringa Maori Public Health team, has a strong background in education and has been teaching Te Reo Maori for the past 12 years. However, she is excited about the change of scenery and is looking forward to learning the ropes here at Nga Kete and meeting different people from all walks of life.
Part of Audra’s new role will focus on promoting mental health and wellbeing for Maori, reducing access to the means of suicide and contributing to improved mental health.
Audra, who was born and raised in a little country town named Ruatoki in the Bay of Plenty and once specialized as a welder, moved south in the late 80’s/early 90’s and has since worked in the education sector.
A few weeks ago Audra attended a hui in the city about suicide prevention where she was approached by Daniel and Leoma Tawaroa about the possibility of a role at Nga Kete. The rest is history.
“I was inspired by them just asking.”
Audra brings her knowledge, skills and experience to the Kia Piki te Ora - Suicide Prevention team, with a focus on creating opportunities to support whanau, hapū, iwi and wider community.
Kia Piki te Ora – Suicide Prevention aims to reduce the incidence of suicide, suicide attempts and self inflicted harm that has such a devastating impact on whanau and communities.
These words emulate our newest member of staff Audra Teepa, who only joined the team this week but has already become a well known smiling face around the office.
Audra, who joined our Te Piringa Maori Public Health team, has a strong background in education and has been teaching Te Reo Maori for the past 12 years. However, she is excited about the change of scenery and is looking forward to learning the ropes here at Nga Kete and meeting different people from all walks of life.
Part of Audra’s new role will focus on promoting mental health and wellbeing for Maori, reducing access to the means of suicide and contributing to improved mental health.
Audra, who was born and raised in a little country town named Ruatoki in the Bay of Plenty and once specialized as a welder, moved south in the late 80’s/early 90’s and has since worked in the education sector.
A few weeks ago Audra attended a hui in the city about suicide prevention where she was approached by Daniel and Leoma Tawaroa about the possibility of a role at Nga Kete. The rest is history.
“I was inspired by them just asking.”
Audra brings her knowledge, skills and experience to the Kia Piki te Ora - Suicide Prevention team, with a focus on creating opportunities to support whanau, hapū, iwi and wider community.
Kia Piki te Ora – Suicide Prevention aims to reduce the incidence of suicide, suicide attempts and self inflicted harm that has such a devastating impact on whanau and communities.
New Art Therapy Programme Launched

April 29 2016: Nga Kete has introduced a unique new programme extending its wrap-around service range.
Addictions Counsellor Rod Allison has developed the new Art Therapy Programme Aronui for people engaging in Nga Kete’s Addictions Services (including alcohol, drug and gambling).
Mr Allison says the programme includes elements of interactive drawing therapy and has been developed to enable participants to express themselves using art.
The aim of it is to reduce the harm of alcohol and drug use by exploring and understanding why participants use these substances and behaviours, he says.
The programme will include various art modalities including interactive drawing, free expression, role play, writing, painting, sculpting, pencil, charcoal and crayon.
Through art participants can explore the role alcohol and/or drugs plays in their lives, the impact it has on themselves, whanau and community, their attitudes, behaviours, beliefs and values, the actions and consequences of substance abuse, an understanding of self and a life without alcohol and/or drugs, Mr Allison says.
The eight-week pilot programme will begin on Monday.
If you think this is the programme for you, contact Nga Kete on (03) 214 5260 for a referral form.
Addictions Counsellor Rod Allison has developed the new Art Therapy Programme Aronui for people engaging in Nga Kete’s Addictions Services (including alcohol, drug and gambling).
Mr Allison says the programme includes elements of interactive drawing therapy and has been developed to enable participants to express themselves using art.
The aim of it is to reduce the harm of alcohol and drug use by exploring and understanding why participants use these substances and behaviours, he says.
The programme will include various art modalities including interactive drawing, free expression, role play, writing, painting, sculpting, pencil, charcoal and crayon.
Through art participants can explore the role alcohol and/or drugs plays in their lives, the impact it has on themselves, whanau and community, their attitudes, behaviours, beliefs and values, the actions and consequences of substance abuse, an understanding of self and a life without alcohol and/or drugs, Mr Allison says.
The eight-week pilot programme will begin on Monday.
If you think this is the programme for you, contact Nga Kete on (03) 214 5260 for a referral form.
Whanau Centred Collaboration

April 11 2016: Nga Kete is collaborating with a private Invercargill therapy centre to enable better access to health services for whanau in Southland.
Nga Kete CEO Tracey Wright-Tawha caught up with Dr Kay McKenzie and Lynley Wilton from the Invercargill Child and Family Centre after they approached her to discuss a collaboration proposal to enable the referring of patients between the agencies.
The collaboration is progressing with a pilot. Nga Kete can refer whanau where the barrier of cost is removed as an enabler to access.
By agreeing to collaborate, both agencies will be able to refer between one another allowing whanau access to therapy services they may not have been able to access otherwise. Whanau will also be referred from the Invercargill Child and Family Centre to Nga Kete’s full range of services which are free other than their general practice, He Puna Waiora Wellness Centre which is a very low cost access option for whanau.
Nga Kete CEO Tracey Wright-Tawha is often on the lookout for relationships with reputable agencies and looking at ways to enable Whanau access to services in Southland.
“We will invest in opportunities that benefit whanau and we are delighted to be forging this emerging relationship with Dr McKenzie and her inspiring team,” said Tracey Wright-Tawha.
Dr Kay McKenzie said she had decided to approach Nga Kete because of the breadth of support it already provided in the community, its robust infrastructure and strong leadership.
Lynley Wilton continued: “We see a need and we just can’t meet it and that’s heart breaking but together we can offer so much more”.
Both agencies have a shared aspiration around Whanau ora (family wellness) and are working from the synergy of Aroha ki te Tangata. The women agree a successful outcome of the collaboration would contribute to resilient, strong and healthy Whanau in Southland.
Dr Kay McKenzie and NKMP CEO Tracey Wright-Tawha have plenty in common. The successful women both started their respective careers many years ago with the intention of making a change in the health and wellness sector in the south.
The Invercargill Child and Family centre is located on Esk St and provides a range of therapy services for Southlanders including psychology, counselling, family therapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy, occupational therapy and music therapy.
Nga Kete CEO Tracey Wright-Tawha caught up with Dr Kay McKenzie and Lynley Wilton from the Invercargill Child and Family Centre after they approached her to discuss a collaboration proposal to enable the referring of patients between the agencies.
The collaboration is progressing with a pilot. Nga Kete can refer whanau where the barrier of cost is removed as an enabler to access.
By agreeing to collaborate, both agencies will be able to refer between one another allowing whanau access to therapy services they may not have been able to access otherwise. Whanau will also be referred from the Invercargill Child and Family Centre to Nga Kete’s full range of services which are free other than their general practice, He Puna Waiora Wellness Centre which is a very low cost access option for whanau.
Nga Kete CEO Tracey Wright-Tawha is often on the lookout for relationships with reputable agencies and looking at ways to enable Whanau access to services in Southland.
“We will invest in opportunities that benefit whanau and we are delighted to be forging this emerging relationship with Dr McKenzie and her inspiring team,” said Tracey Wright-Tawha.
Dr Kay McKenzie said she had decided to approach Nga Kete because of the breadth of support it already provided in the community, its robust infrastructure and strong leadership.
Lynley Wilton continued: “We see a need and we just can’t meet it and that’s heart breaking but together we can offer so much more”.
Both agencies have a shared aspiration around Whanau ora (family wellness) and are working from the synergy of Aroha ki te Tangata. The women agree a successful outcome of the collaboration would contribute to resilient, strong and healthy Whanau in Southland.
Dr Kay McKenzie and NKMP CEO Tracey Wright-Tawha have plenty in common. The successful women both started their respective careers many years ago with the intention of making a change in the health and wellness sector in the south.
The Invercargill Child and Family centre is located on Esk St and provides a range of therapy services for Southlanders including psychology, counselling, family therapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy, occupational therapy and music therapy.
MEDIA RELEASES
April 2016
February 2016
January 2016
2015
CHUR Music DVD
From our Choose Hauora Unlimited Rangatahi DVD check out the Music DVD featuring our own Rangatahi, Kaimahi and Talented local Musicians Rhymthmonyx
Te Piringa Podcasts

During April and May 2014 our Health Promotion team launched an initiaitve alongside Radio Southland 94.6FM and created podcasts of several segments on various subjects in a Maori Kaupapa flavour.
He Waha Kapakapa shows and the He Muka - Breastfeeding show can be streamed from our site below or click on the bottom link to go to the Radio Southland page if your having issues.
He Waha Kapakapa shows and the He Muka - Breastfeeding show can be streamed from our site below or click on the bottom link to go to the Radio Southland page if your having issues.
He Muka Breastfeeding show
He Muka with the fountain of knowledge host - Deli Ives, delves into the realm of breastfeeding and gains valuable insights from Whanau.
He Muka - Breastfeeding show
He Waha Kapakapa show

Hosted by the ever talented Raniera (Daniel) Tawaroa take a listen as Raniera interviews and entertains with locals here in the deep south on his show He Waha Kapakapa.
He Waha Kapakapa show Tahi
He Waha Kapakapa show Rua
He Waha Kapakapa show Toru
He Waha Kapakapa show Wha
If this isn't working on your browser click here to go directly to the Radio Southland Link.