Take a look at our Atawhai Journey for 2024

ATAWHAI is a kaupapa Māori and tikanga driven resilience and mental health program based on Te Whare Tapa Whā framework, is rangatahi-led and has been designed to build strong mental health, resilience and leadership skills in marginalised rangatahi (aged 14-18) and their whānau.

This year our Rangatahi learnt Mauri Tau through tools taught to them by their Tuakana and Facilitators. Some of these tools were Yoga, Belly breathing, Te whare tapa whā, mindful hīkoi, the Work and the seven pillars of Mindfulness. They have learnt how to regulate their emotions, deal with conflict, improve their ability to forgive and build their confidence and motivation.

Atawhai Rangatahi teaching The Seven Pillars of Mindfulness

At the end of our program our Rangatahi were able to teach the tools they have learnt on the program and to the friends and whānau through the Tuku Iho model.

We were so impressed with our Tuakana this year who really stepped up with teaching our rangatahi and set a beautiful example for them.

Atawhai Rangatahi being taken on a Mindful Hīkoi in the ngahere by Zane Wedding

Asana Yoga and Kēmu with the help of Tuakana

By the end of the Atawhai program, Rangatahi are using the tools they have learnt to help themselves process their emotions and deal with difficult issues in their lives. They also feel more connected to their culture and their whānau and community.