Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.
Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.
Nannies Against P – Turning pain into purpose
The Nannies Against P rōpū of Heretaunga is a powerful collective of wāhine kaumātua speaking out about the impacts of methamphetamine on their whānau. Some are also caregivers of mokopuna deeply impacted by the ripple effects of addiction.
This rōpū of wise and courageous whaea was honoured as a finalist in the E Tū Whānau Ann Dysart Kahukura Awards held at Ōrongomai Marae, Upper Hutt on 1 July 2026.
Nannies Against P are pou within their hapū and hapori. They walk alongside other whānau affected by addiction. They courageously share their own stories, advocate for the safety of mokopuna and work tirelessly to break cycles of intergenerational harm.
Their openness and lived experience are a lifeline to other kaumātua forced to navigate complexities within the health, justice and social welfare systems that the nannies have already struggled with. By sharing their stories openly and without judgement, they help other kaumātua feel less alone and more confident to seek support for themselves and their whānau.
Grounded in aroha, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, Nannies Against P creates culturally safe spaces where kaumātua can connect, heal and support one another. Through education, shared experiences and practical information, members gain greater understanding of methamphetamine harm and ways to keep themselves and their whānau safe.
Their moemoeā is to establish a tikanga-based safe house where kaumātua can find safety, respite, understanding and support among others who share similar experiences.
“The willingness of these wāhine kaumātua to stand, be heard and carry the voices of their hapū and hapori into national spaces, reflects immense courage and leadership.
They ensure that the lived realities of wāhine Māori, kaumātua, and their whānau are recognised and responded to with integrity and care.”
Cherish Brodgen, E Tū Whānau kaimahi.
Nannies Against P emerged from Ngā Kairauhii Trust, a collective of six Hawkes Bay marae that works alongside local providers to bring health and social services closer to whānau in ways that are culturally anchored and accessible. Through this kaupapa, the nannies have strengthened relationships beyond their own rohe and shared their experiences with others facing similar challenges.
These indomitable wāhine toa have no trouble speaking truth to power either.
Standing strong for whānau and mokopuna
Recently, members of Nannies Against P travelled to Wellington to present evidence to the Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry. They shared deeply personal and often harrowing accounts of violence and harm experienced at the hands of whānau affected by methamphetamine use.
They also spoke about the immediate impacts of addiction, the enduring intergenerational trauma it creates and the consequences for mokopuna, whakapapa and the future wellbeing of their people.
Through education, prevention and strong community partnership, the inspirational Nannies Against P ki Heretaunga are empowering others with the knowledge and tools needed to respond to methamphetamine harm.
Their leadership shows the power of wāhine kaumātua to bring people together, challenge silence and create pathways towards healing. In doing so, they’re transforming whakamā into collective strength, advocacy and action.
