ConfidentMe is an Indigenous-led wellbeing model developed over 17 years through Maia Dreams Charitable Trust, supporting tamariki, rangatahi and adults to build confidence, identity and leadership. Grounded in Mātauranga Māori and shaped through ongoing engagement with schools and communities, the programme responds to increasing challenges around disconnection, low confidence and identity.
The model integrates performing arts, storytelling, fitness and personal development to deliver practical, culturally grounded wellbeing across schools, community settings, facilitator training, online programmes and resource development. ConfidentMe has supported over 19,000 tamariki and rangatahi and 5,000 adults across Aotearoa, working with more than 50 schools and delivering over 30 wellbeing-focused events and 50+ youth theatre productions exploring mental health, identity and wellbeing.
Alongside this work, Kristyl Neho is the founder of Wahanui Productions, where theatre works including Tangihanga (grief and loss), Warewaretia (Alzheimer’s and dementia) and Puawai Wāhine (epigenetics and mental health) explore wellbeing through lived experience and storytelling.
This 90-minute interactive workshop will provide participants with a clear understanding of the ConfidentMe model in practice. Participants will engage in practical activities, observe facilitation approaches that build confidence and identity, and explore how to apply these methods within their own contexts. The session will also outline approaches to training facilitators, developing scalable resources and delivering both in-person and online wellbeing programmes.