Matariki ushers in new Nōku te Ao programme
Around 80 whānau gathered to welcome a new phase of Nōku te Ao.
On Tangaroa Whāriki Kiokio, around 80 whānau from the mental health sector gathered to welcome a new phase of Like Minds, Like Mine – Nōku te Ao: Like Minds.
Nōku te Ao launched the strategic principles of Nōku te Ao: Like Minds with whanau. It included a guest speaker line-up and discussion panel.
Minister of Health, Hon Andrew Little welcomed the new programme name and focus. “Nōku te Ao: Like Minds builds on more than two decades of work to continue to put the spotlight on stigma, prejudice and discrimination against those who experience mental health and wellbeing issues,” he said.
Keynote speaker and Māori astronomy academic, Professor Rangi Mātāmua shared mātauranga Māori about the Matariki constellation, and the traditional practices connected to it.
It was a special moment when the five providers (insert link to providers’ story) of the community activities were invited to the stage to officially launch Nōku te Ao: Like Minds. The providers are: Hāpai te Hauora, the Mental Health Foundation, Ngā Hau e Wha, Te Rau Ora and Te Kete Pounamu and Te Werohau – the Research and Evaluation unit of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
Professor Rangi Mātāmua recited karakia inspired by the wishing star of the Matariki constellation, Hiwa-i-te-rangi. MC Lana Simmons-Donaldson said: “To the star Pohutukawa, we recall our past and loved ones, and to Hiwa-i-te-rangi we can design our future, with positive affirmations, and by setting goals.”
Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero’s kōrero Mental Health is a Human Right connected the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples to the work of Nōku Te Ao: Like Minds.
Tangata Whenua Advisory Group Chair Arawhetu Gray concluded the guest speaker line-up by sharing the journey of the Nōku te Ao strategy.
Te Hiringa Hauora GM Operations Mary O’Hagan facilitated the panel discussion themed on the strategic vision of Nōku te Ao: Like Minds Upholding the mana and human rights of people with lived experience of mental distress.
Tangata Whenua Advisory Group Chair Arawhetu Gray concluded the guest speaker line-up by sharing the journey of the Nōku te Ao strategy.
Te Hiringa Hauora GM Operations Mary O’Hagan facilitated the panel discussion themed on the strategic vision of Nōku te Ao: Like Minds Upholding the mana and human rights of people with lived experience of mental distress.
There were contributions from mental health mātanga Caro Swanson, Dean Rangihuna, Vito Nonumalo and Josiah Tualamali’i. They discussed: the differences created by Like Minds, Like Mine in the past 25 years and the work still to be done, their hopes for renewal that the new Nōku te Ao: Like Minds strategy promises, and their aspirations for a world without prejudice and discrimination against people with lived experience of mental distress.
Programme Lead Harley Rogers offered closing comments for the day. “The campaign to increase public awareness has always been the front of house,” he said. “I would like to acknowledge the marae ātea and the paepae, and in the back of house, the kitchen and dining room that have also played pivotal roles in the success of Like Minds, Like Mine.”
“The ripples of the work of Like Minds Like Mine have spread far and have been part of the movement towards us all acknowledging our mental health. We have nothing to be ashamed of, it’s cool to be kind, and it’s ok to not be ok. Together we are strong and all contributing in our own way.”
On behalf of the Hāpai te Hauora whānau, Chief Executive Maria Baker presented mauri stones to Te Hiringa Hauora and the providers of Nōku te Ao: Like Minds community activities.
“Ko Papatūānuku to tātou whāea tino rangatiratanga. Wherever we are from, we are connected through whakapapa to her, sustainer and knowledge-keeper. We present this gem for Nōku te Ao as partners connected to this whakapapa. It puts us in touch with our inner powers by guiding you toward the light Te Ao Mārama, and out of the darkness Te Kore Te Pō, this will open our eyes to the magic and possibilities that surround us in Nōku te Ao,” Maria said.
