WAIORA HINENGARO
MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTIONS SERVICE
Working together to support tāngata whai ora whilst believing people can find their own strengths to live the life the way they want, with whānau as the key.
Waiora Hinengaro is a kaupapa Māori Mental Health and Addiction service within Te Oranganui, dedicated to enhancing mental and emotional well-being.
We provide targeted mental health support, mental health community support, as well as 1:1 and group support for Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD).
Additionally, we offer specialised services for rangatahi (youth) and tamariki (children).
Through our wānanga (learning and sharing), we create a safe, culturally grounded space where individuals and whānau can come together to share experiences, gain valuable knowledge, and strengthen their resilience.
Working collaboratively with a variety of agencies, we provide a holistic approach to well-being, empowering participants to achieve better mental health while remaining connected to Te Ao Māori and their community.
ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
Waiora Hinengaro is a Moderate to Severe Mental Health Service for those 18 to 100+ consisting of Kaitūruki (Mental Health Support Workers) , Tāpuhi (Registered Nurses)
Our team works closely with tāngata whaiora and their whānau to support Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Wellbeing at its highest level.
We work together to support tāngata whaiora, trusting that they can uncover their own strengths and live life on their terms, with whānau as their foundation.
We work closely with CMHAS at Te Whatu Ora
Referrals to all the services below are open and can be instigated by the person themselves, whānau, natural supports, health professionals and other social, justice, community and health services.
ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS
One to one work with people wanting to change their substance use.
Waiora Hinengaro Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Service is dedicated to supporting individuals aged 18+ who are looking to make changes to their substance use. Our service is grounded in kaupapa Māori values, ensuring that our approach is culturally relevant and empowering. We provide one-on-one support tailored to each person’s journey toward recovery.
Our team of Kaimahi includes Dappanz Clinicians, Kaitūruki (cultural practitioners), and individuals with lived experience, all of whom work together to provide holistic support. This team approach blends professional expertise with cultural guidance and personal understanding to create a supportive environment for those wanting to change their substance use.
At Waiora Hinengaro, we aim to support each person’s path to wellbeing, acknowledging their unique strengths and experiences, and reinforcing the importance of whānau, community, and cultural values throughout the process.
TE HAPAINGA: ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS GROUP PROGRAMME
Te Hāpainga is an 8-week alcohol and drug treatment programme designed to support whanaungatanga (relationships), provide education, harm reduction strategies, tools to manage high-risk situations, and set achievable goals. The programme works primarily within the Te Ao Māori world view and theories, supported by Western theories to complement a holistic approach.
Te Hāpainga is for:
Any person wanting to address their alcohol and drug use or dependency.
Those who have completed rehabilitation and are motivated to continue their path of abstinence.
MOWAI ROKIROKI AOD PEER SUPPORT GROUP
Monday night: 6pm – 8pm @ Terrace House 133 Wicksteed street Whanganui. This is a walk-in group for those who are struggling with addiction issues and need support. This is community peer-led and a pick up and drop off can be provided.
TE WHARE TAUTOKO DAY ACTIVITIES
Te Whare Tautoko is dedicated to fostering positive growth, independence and confidence. We place a strong emphasis on whānau involvement, recognising the role of whānau support in the journey towards wellbeing.
Through Whanaungatanga we aim to create a supportive environment where our people can strive and find connection with others.
With the sharing of positive stories and the development of essential skills, we empower individuals to feel valued members of the community.
Our programme is set to foster positive growth, independence and confidence.
Te Whare tautoko is for:
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18 years old +
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Living in the Whanganui region
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Must have an assigned support worker or keyworker (does not need to be Te Oranganui based)
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Spaces may be limited
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Free service (may be costs if out of town trips but these will be outlaid In advance.)
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Te Whare Tautoko is for adults affected by mental health issues
HE PUNA ORA: PREGNANCY & PARENTING SERVICE, AND KOROWAITIA TE PUNA WAIORA: KAUPAPA MĀORI PRIMARY MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION SERVICE
He Puna Ora is a parenting and pregnancy service which provides a mixture of wānanga delivered through meaningful kōrero, pūrakau and mātauranga Māori. It also provides one to one advocacy, support and networking.
He Puna Ora is a Kaupapa Māori Addiction Service that offers tailored support for pregnant women and parents who are navigating addiction challenges. Rooted in Māori values and principles, this service provides a safe, compassionate environment where wāhine (women) and whānau can access culturally appropriate support. Our team works closely with individuals to offer a range of services including brief interventions, addiction support, and resources designed to strengthen mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy and the parenting journey. By integrating traditional Māori practices with contemporary care, He Puna Ora aims to support whānau to thrive in a healthy, balanced environment, while nurturing positive outcomes for both parents and pēpi (babies).
RANGATAHI/TAMARIKI SERVICE
At Waiora Hinengaro, we are proud to have a dedicated team of professionals who provide tailored mental health and AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) support to meet the unique needs of our whānau. Our Primary Mental Health Tamariki Nurse offers brief interventions and support to tamariki (children), helping to foster early mental health care.
Our Rangatahi Nurse specialises in assessment and support for rangatahi (youth), assisting young people in navigating challenges and building resilience. Additionally, our Mental Health Support Worker (MHSW) focuses on AOD brief intervention and support, providing culturally appropriate guidance to those dealing with substance use. Together, this team works collaboratively with other providers to deliver a holistic, whānau-centered approach to well-being, ensuring everyone receives the support they need to thrive in alignment with Te Ao Māori.
TE WHARE MAHANA
RESIDENTIAL SUPPORTED LIVING
Te Whare Mahana is a Kaupapa Maori residential mental health service at Te Oranganui in Whanganui. It provides long-term accommodation for people who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
The service is grounded in strong Te Ao Māori values, Kotahitanga, Whanaungatanga, Pono and Tika, supporting tangata whaiora to gain the skills and independence they need to live the life they want. Whānau are an important part of their recovery journey, and we encourage their involvement and support.
Due to the nature of long-term support towards independent living, the beds are often occupied, and there may be a waitlist. The residence has staff available 24/7 to provide care and support to those living there.
It’s a safe and supportive place in Whanganui for people needing mental health care, with a focus on empowerment, whānau connection, tikanga and independence.
KOROWAITIA TE PUNA WAIORA: KAUPAPA MĀORI PRIMARY MENTAL HEALTH
Korowaitia Te Puna Waiora is our kaupapa Māori primary mental health and addiction service. This service is offered to tāngata whaiora who present with mild to moderate mental health issues. This team are a culturally relevant option to addressing mental health and addiction distress.
Korowaitia Te Puna Waiora focuses on supporting mental and emotional well-being through a culturally grounded and holistic approach. The team offers a variety of services to help individuals and whānau manage their mental health, including support for mild to moderate mental health challenges.
Our service also runs regular marae-based wānanga (learning gatherings), providing a safe and supportive space for whānau to connect, learn, and heal together. These wānanga emphasize whanaungatanga (connection) and empower participants with practical tools for mental wellness, while strengthening their relationship with their cultural identity.
Korowaitia Te Puna Waiora is committed to supporting individuals on their journey to wellness with manaakitanga (care) and aroha (love).
GAMBLING HARM
At Waiora Hinengaro, we provide dedicated support for those affected by gambling harm. Our approach is grounded in Kaupapa Māori principles, offering culturally responsive services that address the emotional, financial, and social impacts of gambling. We work closely with individuals and whānau to provide brief interventions, support, and resources that promote recovery and healing. By creating a safe and non-judgmental environment, we empower individuals to take steps towards regaining control and improving their well-being. Our team offers tailored support to guide people through the process of recovery, with a strong focus on whānau-centered care and connection to Te Ao Māori.
MĀREIKURA
Māreikura is a kaupapa Māori group designed to empower and support wahine (women) on their journey toward better mental and emotional well-being. Rooted in Māori values, Māreikura provides a safe space where women can come together to share experiences, build resilience, and connect with one another in a supportive, whānau-like environment. The Māreikura service is driven by the wahine themselves and supported by Kaimahi, who guide the process with care and respect.
The Māreikura service fosters whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (care), and aroha (love), supporting women in thriving holistically—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It is a space where wahine can walk in their mana (power), strengthen their connections, and move forward with confidence and clarity.
BAND OF BROTHERS
The Band of Brothers walk-in group is a kaupapa Māori space where men can come together in a supportive, whakawhanaungatanga (relationship-building) environment to strengthen their mental health and well-being. Held once a fortnight, this group offers a safe, non-judgmental space for men to connect, share their whakaaro (thoughts) and engage in kōrero (discussions) that foster healing and resilience. The group encourages whānau-like support, with participants sharing personal experiences and learning from one another, all while strengthening their connection to Te Ao Māori. Through this collective, men are empowered to nurture their mental health, build aroha (love) for themselves and each other, and cultivate mana (strength and dignity).
The Band of Brothers group provides a valuable opportunity for men to walk together, supporting one another as they journey towards wholeness and balance.
WHAKAHAUMANU MANA TĀNE
Provides a twelve (12) week Drug Treatment programme embedded in Te Ao Māori at the Whanganui Corrections Facility. This programme is designed to identify behaviours associated with alcohol and drug addictions and provide opportunity for positive change.
The core goals of the programme are to target the key areas of:
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Substance abuse
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Restoration of mana
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Social decision-making and Pro-social behaviour
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Ko wai au – self awareness
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Relapse Prevention Planning (Mauri Ora Planning)
As part of the induction/whakawhanaungatanga process Kaiako will complete the following:
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a comprehensive assessment
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Handout and explain the information pack; expectations; consents etc
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Fully ensure that you are able to make an informed decision about joining the programme.
Tāne are offered constructive activities, such as:
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Whakawatea
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Family Planning
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Piki Te Ora
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Waiata
