New project 'Tū Mai Awa' launched, upcoming wānanga

A new community-based social change project, Tū Mai Awa, has been launched.

Tū Mai Awa aims to improve responses to individuals and families experiencing violence in Aotearoa New Zealand. The project draws primarily on Response-Based Practice and Māori principles and practices to develop or support awa (currents/channels/rivers): socially just and effective programmes as responses to violence. It is based in Kahungunu / Hawke's Bay.

In partnership with Pou Tiaki, Laurie Te Nahu and Tai Pukenga Ltd and Hastings Women's Refuge, the project will be delivering an intensive whānau-based and family-driven co-ordinated response to families and whānau experiencing violence. The project will work to:

• Identify gaps in responses to domestic violence and opportunities for change
• Develop programs and work with individuals and organisations to implement them
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the responses and develop local evidence base
• Assess the value of the initiative for wider application
• Share the research and practice

A Wānanga: Mana for All is being held at Te Aranga Marae, Hastings on 30-31 October 2016. It will involve co-constructing the Tū Mai Awa tikanga for responding to individuals and whānau. The wānanga is for anyone interested in joining the Tū Mai Awa community to provide mana-enhancing responses to people responding to and resisting violence.

The wānanga will be facilitated by Laurie Te Nahu, Wiremu Niania, Des Ratima, Hine Moeke-Murray, Cathy Richardson (Canada) and Allan Wade (Canada). Bios for the facilitators are available on the Tū Mai Awa website and Facebook page.

Media

Family violence system grapples with own problems, Hawke's Bay Today, 15.07.2017

Domestic violence project set for launch in Hawke's Bay, Hawke's Bay Today, 11.07.2017