Kaupapa Māori Group –
Te Whare Maiangiangi
By Te Pona (Ollie) Martin, Te Pou Kōkiri and Cherene
Warbrick-Daniel, Occupational Therapy Assistant,Te
Whare Maiangiangi.
Recently a Kaupapa Māori group has been
developed in Te Whare Maiangiangi. It offers
all inpatients the opportunity to meet on a
Wednesday afternoon and explore their
recovery and wellness through a cultural lens.
It’s a privilege and an honour to facilitate the group, which has
been integrated into the Occupational Therapy programme on
the ward. Our role is to ensure that there is no judgement, only
the promotion of connection and exploration or enhancement of
Whakawhanaungatanga and Manaakitanga.
The group always includes a karakia (prayer), mihimihi
(introductions) and waiata (song) to maintain the kaupapa(focus)
of the group.
The activity content may include a guest speaker, exploration
of language translation and meaning or a creative activity. One
of the guest speakers was a local iwi representative and interim
10
Ollie Martin and Cherene Warbrick-Daniel are
facilitating a Kaupapa Māori group supporting
patients in Te Whare Maiangiangi.
Pou Tikanga Graham Bidois Cameron, nō Ngāti Ranginui, who
spoke of the history of Mauao and explained the carvings and
story behind the Mauao room, where the group is held. Former
Tauranga Hospital Chaplain Sam Held has also spoken about
his immigration experience to NZ and learning Te Reo. Tangata
Whaiora (patients) were encouraged to ask about local legend
and were offered an extensive narrative about local stories of
Tauranga Moana – Tangata Whaiora are invited to share some of
their happy memories about being introduced to Māori culture for
the first time.
During Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, patients also linked their kaupapa
to projects in the art room and the creativity was outstanding.
Other planned activities have included Pēpēhā (personal
introduction) using a worksheet for participants to fill out with
help from facilitators, and new waiata and various other activities
planned for the future.
The group feedback has been very positive, with a range of
culturally diverse backgrounds participating each week, good
questions being asked with robust discussion taking place, as a
result the OT team have made it a regular slot in the programme
which has been received well by patients and the facilitators.