Coming together to strengthen whānau-centred practice

In Tāmaki Makaurau, providers recognise the value of learning together and have taken the lead in creating their own community of practice for those delivering men’s behaviour change services.

Creating opportunities for reflective learning is a core principle of Te Huringa ō Te Ao – an initiative supporting locally-led services for tāne and men using violence who recognise it’s time for change. This challenging but rewarding work is vital to breaking the cycle of violence.

At the end of May 2025, Shine hosted a regional hui for providers in Auckland who are part of Te Huringa ō Te Ao. The hui was a chance to reflect, share knowledge, experiences and progress in designing and delivering whānau-centred services aligned with the moemoeā of Te Aorerekura.

Kaimahi from SafeMan SafeFamily, Te Whānau o Waipareira, Fathers for Families, Te Pā, Shine, The Fono, The Change Place, The Whānau Ora Community Clinic and Taulanga U attended the hui.

Recognising collective strengths

“It was a great opportunity for us as providers to gather together, recognise the strengths across the collective and explore opportunities for further collaboration,” says Shine Service Delivery Manager, Tim Baldwin.

“There was important kōrero around new and innovative ways to support men who use violence, and more varied ways to shift behaviour. We also discussed whānau voice, outcomes and evaluation, and MSD feedback.”

Keeping whānau and tāne at the heart of the kaupapa

Hui like this are one way Te Huringa ō Te Ao lives in action – listening, learning and growing as a collective.

Providers in Tāmaki Makaurau continue to connect, with the next hui to be hosted by Te Whānau o Waipareira.