E Tū Whānau supports whānau and hapori to take responsibility and action within their own communities, and to mobilise and empower them on journeys of positive transformation, often within highly complex and challenging spaces.
Grounded, as it is, in long-term, high-trust relationships, this model of community-led action manifests differently in different contexts. It encourages a diversity of responses, approaches, and initiatives.
The result is rich mātauranga and learnings that can inform, inspire, and assist others to make meaningful, positive changes in ways that work for their whānau and communities.
Poutokomanawa Hapori Hui 2022
Around 70 representatives of thirteen E Tū Whānau community partners from across Aotearoa come together via laptops and smartphones on October 26, 2022 for the first virtual E Tū Whānau Poutokomanawa Hapori Hui.
They delivered varied and inspirational presentations on their E Tū Whānau mahi and the difference it is making within communities.
“Everyone had amazing presentations and it showed what they were doing using the E Tū Whānau kaupapa and how, in little ways, the kaupapa is helping whānau transform away from the norm of violence.”
Hui participant
All these community partners have strong, longstanding relationships with E Tū Whānau. They are Poutokomanawa, the central poles of the E Tū Whānau wharenui. As such, they enrich our kaupapa and help keep the whare strong by mobilising whānau and hapori Māori for positive change.
The Poutokomanawa hui was an effective and engaging way for hapori to share their strategies, successes, and learnings, and to amplify the voices of others in their communities. While identifying challenges and successes, the hui gave voice to the lived experience of whānau and hapori by telling their stories of struggle, healing, and resilience.
It was a direct way to grow capability and to lead and sustain positive community-level change.
“A showcase of exemplar kaupapa Māori services funded by E Tū Whānau that have contributed significantly to the well-being of Māori and New Zealand communities, with a key focus of eliminating whānau violence.”
Hui participant
Inspiration through shared best practice
Participants were able to exchange ideas and grow their knowledge of best practice in community-led change to foster wellbeing and prevent violence within whānau.
“I enjoyed just being able to hear what different communities are doing and the opportunity to increase personal mātauranga to help improve each other’s practices.”
Hui participant
They were treated to a practice-based workshop from Te Hapori Ora and a presentation from the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre (an Indigenous Canadian family support service and sister organisation to Waitomo Papakāinga in Te Tai Tokerau).
League of Live Illustrators were present throughout the hui, graphically rendering Poutokomanawa presentations and giving life to the moemoeā, mahi and kōrero they articulated. These illustrations were then gifted to Poutokomanawa in celebration of their vision and mahi.
Through it all, Poutokomanawa enjoyed professional and personal connection with others in the hui.
“It’s one of the best hui I’ve attended in ages, and I’ve been to heaps. Best mahi ever.”
Hui participant
Want more?
Read about E Tū Whānau kaupapa, vision, and Mahere Rautaki (Framework for Change) 2019 – 2023
Join the E Tū Whānau communities on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
