Delivering life-changing impact for tāne
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 of that transformation is Te Kawa o te Marae, our powerful kaupapa Māori framework grounded in the tikanga and protocols of the Marae. This unique framework is designed to support tāne – and all whānau – to navigate challenges, overcome family and sexual violence and heal and restore whānau oranga.
“The Marae acts as a powerful metaphor that anchors back to a place that is sacred for all Māori,” says Elizabeth Walker, CEO of Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri. “ We help tāne understand that their whare should be a sacred place. When that clicks – when they see that drugs, alcohol and violence have no place in their home – it is often a ‘lightbulb moment’. It changes everything.”
“I liked how they used the marae as an analogy. How they explained about the doorway, and letting in all that bad energy and how it affects everyone that lives in your whare. When they break it down like that, it all makes sense. You can connect and relate to it.” – Tāne
Te Kawa o te Marae doesn’t just address the symptoms of family and sexual violence – it restores mana, fosters cultural belonging and strengthens whānau from the inside out. By connecting whānau to their wairuatanga and whakapapa, the framework draws on the interconnectedness of people, place and the natural world, upholding collective responsibility and intergenerational knowledge.
“By aligning our services with Te Ao Māori values, identity and worldview, we build better trust and engagement,” says Elizabeth. “It’s a framework that doesn’t need explaining – whānau get it, because its already in them. It empowers. It heals. And simply put, it works.”
“All I know is … Te Whare works. What I really like about it is that it’s under the Anglican Church. It’s under Christ. And our boys gravitate to it. Straight away, there’s respect.” – Kaiako
