"Te Pa Harakeke" Cultural Model Implemented in Youth Forensic, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand
Tracks
Dingo Room: In-Person Only
| Tuesday, October 21, 2025 |
| 1:40 PM - 2:00 PM |
| Dingo Room (M4) |
Overview
Kirimoana Powell & Te Pora Nellie Paraone-Clay, Tū Māia (Regional Youth Forensics Service), Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)
Presenter
Mrs Te Pora Nellie Paraone-Clay
Taurawhiri - Cultural Advisor Māori
Te Whitinga Mai, Counties Manukau, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)
"Te Pa Harakeke" Cultural Model Implemented in Youth Forensic, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand
Presentation Overview
Tēnā koutou katoa
The Māori cultural teams within Tū Māia (Regional Youth Forensics Service), and Te Whitinga Mai (Counties Manukau Youth Forensics Service), under Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, walk alongside rangatahi (youth) Māori involved in the Youth Justice system across Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), grounded in tikanga (protocols) and mātauranga (knowledge) Māori, our roles centre on providing culturally responsive care and connection in spaces where it is often most needed.
Our mahi (work) spans diverse responsibilities – offering in-reach cultural and mental health support within Youth Justice residences, contributing cultural and clinical insight to the Court Liaison process, and providing specialist cultural reports for Youth Court to ensure rangatahi are seen and supported through a holistic lens. We work as part of multi-disciplinary teams to uphold mana-enhancing approaches that reflect the lived realities of whānau (families) Māori.
This presentation shares our collective kaupapa (topic) of supporting rangatahi and their whānau to reconnect with Te Taiao – the natural world – through raranga (weaving) and tikanga Māori. We introduce and explore Te Pā Harakeke, a culturally grounded model of care centred on whānau wellbeing and whakapapa.
Te Pā Harakeke draws on the symbolic and practical teachings of the harakeke plant to guide our practice and create meaningful engagement. Raranga becomes both metaphor and method – woven into the healing journeys of our rangatahi. Through storytelling and case reflections, we will share how this model is being embedded into everyday practice, creating spaces for cultural identity, safety, and transformation.
At the same time, we acknowledge the ongoing complexities we face – structural, and relational – and the critical need for continued advocacy, resource, and collective commitment to uphold kaupapa Māori approaches within youth forensic services.
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
Powell K 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 , Paraone-Clay T 6, 7
1 Tū Māia (Regional Youth Forensic Service), Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
2 Honarary Guest Lecturer at University of Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
3 Whiti Te Rā Marae o Reweti Trust Board, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
4 Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa, Pōneke (Wellington), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
5 Ngāti Whatua, Ngāti Awa, Whakatōhea, Aotearoa (New Zealand)
6 Te Whitinga Mai (Counties Manukau Youth Forensic Service), Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) , Manukau, Aotearoa (New Zealand)
7 Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Te Ata, Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāpuhi , Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Three Key Learnings:
1. An understanding of culturally grounded approaches bringing culturally responsive practices in providing holistic care and strengthening connections to Māori values and identity.
2. An understanding of Te Pā Harakeke, a cultural model, which uses the teachings of the harakeke (flax) plant as both a metaphor and practical tool in supporting whānau (families) Māori. This model emphasizes the importance of whakapapa (genealogy) and interconnectedness in the wellbeing of rangatahi (youth).
3. Insights into the structural and relational complexities faced within the Youth Justice system and the importance of advocating for continued resources to maintain kaupapa Māori (Maori centred) approaches.
The Māori cultural teams within Tū Māia (Regional Youth Forensics Service), and Te Whitinga Mai (Counties Manukau Youth Forensics Service), under Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, walk alongside rangatahi (youth) Māori involved in the Youth Justice system across Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), grounded in tikanga (protocols) and mātauranga (knowledge) Māori, our roles centre on providing culturally responsive care and connection in spaces where it is often most needed.
Our mahi (work) spans diverse responsibilities – offering in-reach cultural and mental health support within Youth Justice residences, contributing cultural and clinical insight to the Court Liaison process, and providing specialist cultural reports for Youth Court to ensure rangatahi are seen and supported through a holistic lens. We work as part of multi-disciplinary teams to uphold mana-enhancing approaches that reflect the lived realities of whānau (families) Māori.
This presentation shares our collective kaupapa (topic) of supporting rangatahi and their whānau to reconnect with Te Taiao – the natural world – through raranga (weaving) and tikanga Māori. We introduce and explore Te Pā Harakeke, a culturally grounded model of care centred on whānau wellbeing and whakapapa.
Te Pā Harakeke draws on the symbolic and practical teachings of the harakeke plant to guide our practice and create meaningful engagement. Raranga becomes both metaphor and method – woven into the healing journeys of our rangatahi. Through storytelling and case reflections, we will share how this model is being embedded into everyday practice, creating spaces for cultural identity, safety, and transformation.
At the same time, we acknowledge the ongoing complexities we face – structural, and relational – and the critical need for continued advocacy, resource, and collective commitment to uphold kaupapa Māori approaches within youth forensic services.
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
Powell K 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 , Paraone-Clay T 6, 7
1 Tū Māia (Regional Youth Forensic Service), Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
2 Honarary Guest Lecturer at University of Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
3 Whiti Te Rā Marae o Reweti Trust Board, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
4 Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa, Pōneke (Wellington), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
5 Ngāti Whatua, Ngāti Awa, Whakatōhea, Aotearoa (New Zealand)
6 Te Whitinga Mai (Counties Manukau Youth Forensic Service), Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) , Manukau, Aotearoa (New Zealand)
7 Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Te Ata, Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāpuhi , Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Three Key Learnings:
1. An understanding of culturally grounded approaches bringing culturally responsive practices in providing holistic care and strengthening connections to Māori values and identity.
2. An understanding of Te Pā Harakeke, a cultural model, which uses the teachings of the harakeke (flax) plant as both a metaphor and practical tool in supporting whānau (families) Māori. This model emphasizes the importance of whakapapa (genealogy) and interconnectedness in the wellbeing of rangatahi (youth).
3. Insights into the structural and relational complexities faced within the Youth Justice system and the importance of advocating for continued resources to maintain kaupapa Māori (Maori centred) approaches.
Biography
Te Pora Nellie Paraone-Clay is a dedicated social worker, cultural leader, and advocate with over 25 years of experience. She has worked with Manawanui a Maori community mental health service for adults, (Auckland District Health Board), served as a Kaumatua for Te Kooti Rangatahi (Māori youth court) and participated in Te Pae Oranga (Restorative Justice) with Police at Orakei marae. Te Pora is a trustee for Te Karaka Whānau Trust and actively contributes to Te Tiriti Action Campaign. Te Pora focuses on advancing Māori rights within the youth forensic mental health and addictions sector and community wellbeing.
Mrs Kirimoana Powell
Māori Cultural Advisor
Tū Māia (Regional Youth Forensics Service), Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)
Te Pa Harakeke" Cultural Model Implemented in Youth Forensic, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand
Presentation Overview
Tēnā koutou katoa
The Māori cultural teams within Tū Māia (Regional Youth Forensics Service), and Te Whitinga Mai (Counties Manukau Youth Forensics Service), under Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, walk alongside rangatahi (youth) Māori involved in the Youth Justice system across Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), grounded in tikanga (protocols) and mātauranga (knowledge) Māori, our roles centre on providing culturally responsive care and connection in spaces where it is often most needed.
Our mahi (work) spans diverse responsibilities – offering in-reach cultural and mental health support within Youth Justice residences, contributing cultural and clinical insight to the Court Liaison process, and providing specialist cultural reports for Youth Court to ensure rangatahi are seen and supported through a holistic lens. We work as part of multi-disciplinary teams to uphold mana-enhancing approaches that reflect the lived realities of whānau (families) Māori.
This presentation shares our collective kaupapa (topic) of supporting rangatahi and their whānau to reconnect with Te Taiao – the natural world – through raranga (weaving) and tikanga Māori. We introduce and explore Te Pā Harakeke, a culturally grounded model of care centred on whānau wellbeing and whakapapa.
Te Pā Harakeke draws on the symbolic and practical teachings of the harakeke plant to guide our practice and create meaningful engagement. Raranga becomes both metaphor and method – woven into the healing journeys of our rangatahi. Through storytelling and case reflections, we will share how this model is being embedded into everyday practice, creating spaces for cultural identity, safety, and transformation.
At the same time, we acknowledge the ongoing complexities we face – structural, and relational – and the critical need for continued advocacy, resource, and collective commitment to uphold kaupapa Māori approaches within youth forensic services.
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
Powell K 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 , Paraone-Clay T 6, 7
1 Tū Māia (Regional Youth Forensic Service), Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
2 Honarary Guest Lecturer at University of Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
3 Whiti Te Rā Marae o Reweti Trust Board, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
4 Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa, Pōneke (Wellington), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
5 Ngāti Whatua, Ngāti Awa, Whakatōhea, Aotearoa (New Zealand)
6 Te Whitinga Mai (Counties Manukau Youth Forensic Service), Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) , Manukau, Aotearoa (New Zealand)
7 Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Te Ata, Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāpuhi , Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Three Key Learnings:
1. An understanding of culturally grounded approaches bringing culturally responsive practices in providing holistic care and strengthening connections to Māori values and identity.
2. An understanding of Te Pā Harakeke, a cultural model, which uses the teachings of the harakeke (flax) plant as both a metaphor and practical tool in supporting whānau (families) Māori. This model emphasizes the importance of whakapapa (genealogy) and interconnectedness in the wellbeing of rangatahi (youth).
3. Insights into the structural and relational complexities faced within the Youth Justice system and the importance of advocating for continued resources to maintain kaupapa Māori (Maori centred) approaches.
The Māori cultural teams within Tū Māia (Regional Youth Forensics Service), and Te Whitinga Mai (Counties Manukau Youth Forensics Service), under Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, walk alongside rangatahi (youth) Māori involved in the Youth Justice system across Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), grounded in tikanga (protocols) and mātauranga (knowledge) Māori, our roles centre on providing culturally responsive care and connection in spaces where it is often most needed.
Our mahi (work) spans diverse responsibilities – offering in-reach cultural and mental health support within Youth Justice residences, contributing cultural and clinical insight to the Court Liaison process, and providing specialist cultural reports for Youth Court to ensure rangatahi are seen and supported through a holistic lens. We work as part of multi-disciplinary teams to uphold mana-enhancing approaches that reflect the lived realities of whānau (families) Māori.
This presentation shares our collective kaupapa (topic) of supporting rangatahi and their whānau to reconnect with Te Taiao – the natural world – through raranga (weaving) and tikanga Māori. We introduce and explore Te Pā Harakeke, a culturally grounded model of care centred on whānau wellbeing and whakapapa.
Te Pā Harakeke draws on the symbolic and practical teachings of the harakeke plant to guide our practice and create meaningful engagement. Raranga becomes both metaphor and method – woven into the healing journeys of our rangatahi. Through storytelling and case reflections, we will share how this model is being embedded into everyday practice, creating spaces for cultural identity, safety, and transformation.
At the same time, we acknowledge the ongoing complexities we face – structural, and relational – and the critical need for continued advocacy, resource, and collective commitment to uphold kaupapa Māori approaches within youth forensic services.
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
Powell K 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 , Paraone-Clay T 6, 7
1 Tū Māia (Regional Youth Forensic Service), Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
2 Honarary Guest Lecturer at University of Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
3 Whiti Te Rā Marae o Reweti Trust Board, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
4 Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa, Pōneke (Wellington), Aotearoa (New Zealand)
5 Ngāti Whatua, Ngāti Awa, Whakatōhea, Aotearoa (New Zealand)
6 Te Whitinga Mai (Counties Manukau Youth Forensic Service), Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) , Manukau, Aotearoa (New Zealand)
7 Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Te Ata, Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāpuhi , Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Three Key Learnings:
1. An understanding of culturally grounded approaches bringing culturally responsive practices in providing holistic care and strengthening connections to Māori values and identity.
2. An understanding of Te Pā Harakeke, a cultural model, which uses the teachings of the harakeke (flax) plant as both a metaphor and practical tool in supporting whānau (families) Māori. This model emphasizes the importance of whakapapa (genealogy) and interconnectedness in the wellbeing of rangatahi (youth).
3. Insights into the structural and relational complexities faced within the Youth Justice system and the importance of advocating for continued resources to maintain kaupapa Māori (Maori centred) approaches.
Biography
Kirimoana Powell is a Māori Cultural Advisor at Tū Māia, Regional Youth Forensic Service, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand. She has eight years’ experience in mental health, including roles at Hāpai Ora—an early intervention service for first-episode psychosis—and the Kari Centre, a child and adolescent mental health service. She also works closely with Māori rangatahi and whānau, providing cultural support across the Taiohi Tū Taiohi Ora in-reach clinic teams based in youth justice residences. Kirimoana ensures culturally grounded, therapeutic care through assessment, engagement, and cultural interventions. She also brings her expertise as a Raranga and Mātanga Wairua practitioner.
