Posts by Te Whare team

Te Whare Ruruhau O Meri Trust is proud to be part of a new, multi-agency initiative in Kaitaia. Brought together under the umbrella of Whiria Te Muka, Te Ahuru Mōwai Service (TAMS) is an innovative collaboration designed to help prevent and reduce family violence. By weaving together the strengths of the New Zealand Police and…

For many of the tāne we work with at Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri, the idea that they have the power to make their whare a safe, sacred space is transformational. It’s a moment that shifts anger, blame and whakamā/shame – and replaces it with responsibility, strength and a pathway to healing. At the heart…

At the recent launch of our new impact strategy, we reaffirmed our commitment to creating tangible, lasting change for all whānau. The strategy is built around four key pou: cultural connection, stronger whānau, safer communities and thriving tamariki. These pillars reflect what matters most — not just what we do, but the change we help…

A recent evaluation by The Kingi Ihaka Research Centre has highlighted the significant impact of our tāne non-violence behaviour change programme. The report demonstrates that the programme has led to positive shifts in the lives of tāne and their whānau, creating meaningful improvements in relationships and wellbeing. One of the key success factors identified in…

Hamuera walked in off the street and self-referred to our non-violence programme because he wanted to change from being angry all the time, to being a better father and partner. “I was just sick of being angry … and taking it out on my missus and kids. I would snap and belt them just because…

A student’s reflection on our Wāhine Programme As part of my social work degree at Manukau Institute of Technology, I’ve been privileged to undertake my placement at Te Whare Ruruhau O Meri. One of the most meaningful experiences during my time here has been supporting our kaiārahi in delivering Te Kawa o te Marae as…

Marianne is our Auckland kairuruku (co-ordinator) for Sexual Violence Court Support, supporting whānau who are survivors of sexual violence to navigate the criminal justice system. In December 2024, she completed her four-year Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga Bicultural Social Work degree at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in order to gain a deeper knowledge of Te Ao…

The Right Reverend Te Kītohi Pikaahu, Bishop of Te Tai Tokerau and faith leader of the Mihingare (Māori Anglican Church) in Northland and Auckland, recently spoke about the profound importance of cultural connection at the launch of our Impact Strategy in Tāmaki Makaurau. As the founding Chair of Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust in…

The government has launched the second stage of Te Aorerekura, Action Plan, 2025-2030. Te Aorerekura is a 25-year national strategy to eliminate family and sexual violence in Aotearoa through coordinated government and community action. The strategy was launched in December 2021 along with the first Action Plan, which concluded in December 2023. The second Te Aorerekura…

In December 2024, two of our kaimahi, Marianne and Aroha, completed their four-year Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga Bicultural Social Work degree at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWOA). They were fortunate to be fellow tauira as well as colleagues. Here, they share their experiences and their reasons for taking on the challenge of work, life and…

Nationwide efforts to combat family and sexual violence in Aotearoa are making little progress to overcome family harm and sexual violence, reports a recent RNZ article, with government agencies blamed for poor access to services. The government is launching a second action plan in December 2024, under the 25 year-long Te Aorerekura strategy. However, findings…