TE RITO

Tamariki & Rangatahi Services

HOW CAN COUNSELLING TAUTOKO TAMARIKI & RANGATAHI?

At times it can be challenging for tamariki and rangatahi to share what they are experiencing with their whānau; they may find it difficult to express their thoughts or feelings, and there may be many reasons why. Kōrero with someone neutral can help tamariki and rangatahi feel safe to express themselves. Sometimes tamariki and rangatahi need someone to help them identify tools and strategies to navigate struggles and challenges.

At Āwhina Whānau Services, all our Kaiwhakamārie are experienced and qualified professionals, each registered with their relevant professional bodies. We provide therapy and counselling for individuals aged 4 to 17.

  • Changing environments

  • Neglect

  • Family violence

  • Sexual Violence

  • Attachment and abandonment issues

  • Emotional regulation

  • Self-esteem

  • Identity considerations

WHAT WE FOCUS ON:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Trauma

  • Grief and loss

  • Bullying

  • Anger management

  • Conflict resolution

  • Parental separation

WHAT SERVICES DO WE PROVIDE?

Kaupapa Māori-Informed Tools
We draw on tikanga Māori practices like karakia, pūrākau, waiata, te taiao, and mahi toi to guide our approach.

Tailored Support
Each journey is unique. We offer personalised support, including talk therapy, play therapy, adventure-based or outdoor approaches.

Holistic & Culturally Grounded
We support the whole person — mind, body, spirit, land connection, and whānau.

School-Based Programmes
We deliver culturally responsive support within school settings, meeting rangatahi where they are.

TESTIMONIALS

  • “I admired the respect shown towards my faith and the fact that it was allowed. The diversity between the whānau and how we’re all here for the same reason despite our different circumstances. The freedom within our speech, the inclusion, building relationships. Shows we are ‘not alone’ especially in the struggle of raising children. Being a mother can be a very lonely part of life” — Parent

  • “We are really seeing some awesome changes in our wee man and tried some of the communication techniques you provided this evening with his fear of being told off and he not only told us what happened but apologised to his brother” — Caregiver of Tamariki

  • “He has moved from being so anxious that he can’t leave the house to interacting with the boys at Te Kura and realizing that not all children will bully him. He is giving things a go now. This is huge” — Parent of 10-year-old boy

  • “I don’t feel so scary going to talk to the judge because I feel safe and know that no one can hurt me anymore” – Tamariki aged 10 years old

  • “What helps me is expressing my feelings and emotions and getting things out of me so it’s not so heavy on my shoulders. I love this place so much, it feels like home, everyone is so nice”.

  • “[Tamariki] has loved play hui with Therapist.  From her first hui, she started off quite down and shy.  She has progressed and come such a long way.  She has shown signs of confidence boosts and loves that she gets to decide how her play hui runs.  Over time I have seen my girl open up and become her bubbly self again.  I myself and close family have noticed these changes.  Conversations with my girl after each hui have been heartwarming and uplifting for me as her mama.  She loves therapist and speaks so highly of her always.  Highlight of everything, my beautiful girl is getting her eyebrows back!!!  I have no words to express how I feel.  Right path for H. Wahine toa! I have no words to express how uplifting this is as a mama to see my girl grow and blossom.  I have missed my girl and am so grateful for Āwhina.  Everyone here are like family to us.  We thank you all so much.  Thank you so much for your support from day one.  I know [Tamariki] absolutely adores you and loves her time out with you and I.”

  • “No words will ever describe how grateful I am to you, and I can never thank you enough. I would like to say I have come a long way from the person I once was, thanks to you I can now achieve all the things I once thought was just a fantasy, and she helped me believe anything you set your mind to is possible. I will be forever grateful for the generosity of heart and spirit in sharing your world with me You are the reason I'm happy please don't ever forget that”.

    "Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi, engari taku toa I te toa takitini"

    Nau ahau I tipu ake ki oku wawata.

    Kua piki ake ahau nā to tautoko.

    Kaua e wareware nga mea kua mahia e koe mō ahau, mai te tope ō tōku manawa, tēnā koe”

  • “I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done to support us. You have been our biggest support and stronghold, always there through it all. I know that my girl has more healing to do but you have changed her so much already. She is happier and just so focussed on her future which she couldn’t see before”

THE NEXT STEP…

Process of engagement

  1. An enquiry is received, and contact will be made with whānau to accept or discuss other options with a referral.

  2. We initially meet with whānau (parent(s), caregivers or guardians) for a whakawhānaungatanga hui. This hui enables the whānau to ask any questions and get an understanding of what service may be provided for their tamaiti/tamariki or rangatahi. The Kaiwhakmārie will complete an assessment and required paperwork with whānau (hui is usually between 1½ hours to 2 hours).

  3. The next step is for the Kaiwhakmārie to discuss the referral with the Team Leader, who will then allocate to the most suitable Kaiwhakmārie

  4. The allocated Kaiwhakmārie will then make contact with the whānau or tangata whai ora to start the process.

Know your rights with the Code of Health and Disability Services