Description

The goal of this project was to strengthen cultural identity through a series of tīkanga (protocols) programmes that emphasise the relationship of individuals with their socio-cultural environment reintegrating traditional Māori cultural values, philosophies, knowledge and practices into everyday lives of Māori whānau members. Tīkanga Māori programmes are culturally responsive for Māori looking to Māori culture as a pathway to suicide prevention.

The project involved:

• Marketing the tīkanga Programmes
• Developing resources
• Facilitators and venue organised
• Programme facilitated
• Post evaluation of tīkanga programmes in liaison

Desired Outcomes of the Waka Hourua Funded Initiative

• Families, whānau and communities are strongly connected to one another and people actively participate in the wider community Families, whānau and communities have their own approaches and plans in place and are actively building resilience and reducing risks of suicide
• People are informed about and assisted to access the services available to them
• Community leaders empower people, foster resilience and bring people and resources together
• Families, whānau and communities have stronger relationships and confidence to be able to talk about their difficulties, and

People bereaved by suicide receive the support they need within their families and whānau.

Te Kīwai Rangahau, Te Rau Matatini’s Research and Evaluation Team was commissioned to provide a review of the Waka Hourua Project: Maketu Health & Social Services. This review summarises the development of the project, relating to wānanga suicide prevention resource.