Rongopai House in He Ture Kia Tika
We’re honoured to have been part of He Ture Kia Tika, a kaupapa Māori research project that explores how community-led initiatives like ours support whānau who are involved in the criminal justice system while experiencing mental distress and/or addiction.
As part of this project, the He Ture Kia Tika team recently returned to gift us back our pūrākau – the story of our mahi here in Kaitaia. It was a powerful moment of reflection and recognition.
“It was easy to get stuck in the day-to-day grind and forget about the effect we have on people’s lives. We’re grateful for this opportunity to pause and reflect, and to see our story through the eyes of others.”
– Rev. Dino, Director of Rongopai House Community Trust
This storytelling is part of He Kohikohinga Pūrākau Hapori – the second stage of the He Ture Kia Tika project – which worked alongside community groups that positively impact the lives of whānau at the intersections of justice, mental health, and addiction.
The research was led by Stella Black (Ngāi Tūhoe, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Whakaue), who served as the Research Project Manager. The project aims to develop a solution-focused framework to improve outcomes for whānau affected by mental distress and/or addiction within the criminal justice system
