As a model of practice, this unique framework provides the ability to connect with people of all ages, providing a strengths-based approach that can be applied across a wide range of contexts—from one-to-one support to group work, whānau work, and organisational and community engagement.  

Tailored to meet the needs of social service and health professionals, Te Ara Whakamana is used by over 500 Social Services and Health professionals across Aotearoa/New Zealand including: 

• Clinical psychologists
• Educational psychologists
• Speech Language Therapists
• Social workers
• Corrections workers
• Care and residential youth homes
• Probation officers
• Behavioural specialists
• Youth workers
• Health professionals
• FASD specialists

Te Ara Whakamana Practitioners and Organisations tell us they have experienced transformational outcomes, including:  

• Strengthened trust relationships with clients and whānau 
• Improved self-regulation levels  
• Authentic partnering with Whānau, Mana Whenua, and Iwi Māori leading to greater confidence and cultural safety 
• Embedded cultural responsiveness and greater cultural capability across the organisation/agency 
• Improved staff and rangatahi wellbeing 
• Increased staff retention 
• A safer, happier environment 

If you would like to hear more about what Te Ara Whakamana: Mana Enhancement could look like for your organisation or agency, contact us at info@akosolutionz.com to set up a meeting – we’d love to hear from you. We also have a downloadable Te Ara Whakamana in Social Services & Health Brochure here: 
Te Ara Whakamana in Social Services Brochure 

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Te Ara Whakamana: Mana Enhancement Training

Te Ara Whakamana: Mana Enhancement Training is delivered via 4 options:

• Self-Directed Online Training – a 10-module online course, available to start at any time 
• Blended Online Self-Directed Training – facilitated guidance and support (minimum number required)
• 2-day Facilitated Online Training – 2x full day training delivery – held approx 1 month apart 
• 2-day Kanohi-ki-te-kanohi/face to face Training – 2x full day in-person training delivery, held approx 1 month apart  

We also hold open online trainings throughout the year and can provide a personalised 2-day kanohi ki te kanohi/face to face training upon request – minimum numbers may be required. 

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An organisation/agency-wide approach offering 6–18 months guidance and support for implementation and embedding

This approach ensures that the learning is not a one-off event but a sustained journey of growth, reflection, and refinement. Ongoing guidance helps embed the model deeply into daily practice, aligning it with your vision, goals and community needs. It allows for responsive adaptation as circumstances change, strengthens cultural capability over time, and builds collective confidence in applying Te Ara Whakamana, fostering transformational change that is positive, lasting, and honours the cultural integrity and voices of all. 

An organisation/agency wide approach brings together senior management, practitioner staff, support staff, Mana Whenua, whānau, and surrounding support services, to create an environment prepared for transformational success.

Foundation Training – setting up for success (4-6 months) 

Foundation training begins by planning with senior management and inclusion of local Mana Whenua, where we meet to introduce the kaupapa and seek support with implementation of local knowledge, pūrākau, waiata, karakia, protocols and practices to create greater confidence and cultural safety for all concerned. 
 
We then begin the 2-part Te Ara Whakamana: Mana Enhancement Training (either self-directed, online or kanohi ki te kanohi/in-person). We continue with online whole-of-staff support sessions and Mana Team support sessions which include effective implementation support, risk assessment, safety plans and transition planning. 

• Te Ara Whakamana planning (senior management) 
• Online Mana Whenua hui 
• Te Ara Whakamana: Mana Enhancement Training 
• Online support sessions for staff 

Resources:

• Te Ara Whakamana Implementation Guide 
• Training workbooks 
• Te Ara Whakamana Manual 
• Customised Padlet 
• Downloadable digital resources 
• Access to the Te Ara Whakamana online shared Community of Practice

Embedding the Kaupapa (over 12 months) 

Once the culture of Te Ara Whakamana has been introduced, we pay the site a visit to experience first hand the visibility and impact of the kaupapa. talking with staff, and meet to feed back / feed forward with staff and senior management. During the visit, a special whānau training session can be held (afternoon or evening), where whānau have the opportunity to experience Te Ara Whakamana first hand. 

• Site visit – Implementing change, embedding and sustaining the kaupapa 
• Whānau training opportunity
• Additional online staff and management support sessions
• Invitation to Te Ara Whakamana annual Hui ā Tau and Mana Camp 

Data collection throughout the Te Ara Whakamana journey follows a process of enquiry into ‘why, what and how’ we change what we do in ways that truly support learning and positive outcomes. In this way, analysing the data supports action research, a growth model approach and transformational change. 

If you would like to enquire about a specialised training for your agency or organisation, please contact us at info@akosolutionz.com or complete our Te Ara Whakamana Training Expression of Interest Form 

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Social Services Testimonials