How we developed Puāwaitanga

We recognised a need to provide support to those who may have barriers to attending traditional face to face counselling services. We launched a pilot in December 2016 for people living rurally in Canterbury, who after a referral from their GP received up to six free counselling sessions.

In 2018 we worked with service users to co-design the brand to be transparent, reliable and connected to people and nature. This focus group of service users gifted us the name Puāwaitanga and helped us to create the Puāwaitanga model through a Te Ao Māori lense.

We can receive self-referrals through the following organisations:

• Ministry of Social Development – self referrals for MSD clients on a Work & Income benefit or who hold a Community Services Card
• Auckland University of Technology – for enrolled students.
• The University of Auckland– for enrolled students.
• Te Wānanga o Awanuiārangi – for enrolled students
• Otago Polytechnic - for enrolled students.
• Open Polytechnic - for enrolled students.
• University of Otago - for enrolled students.
• Toi Ohomai – for enrolled students

We are also partnered with the following organisations who can provide referral to us on behalf of tāngata whai ora:

• Piki
• Health New Zealand Waitaha Canterbury
• Health New Zealand South Canterbury
• Think Hauora
• Te Mahi Ako