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 currently receive funding to receive referrals through the following organisations:
- Canterbury District Health Board – through referral from GP.
- Ministry of Social Development – self referrals for MSD clients on a Work & Income benefit.
- Central PHO – through referral from GP.
- Auckland University of Technology – self referrals from enrolled students.
- The University of Auckland– self referrals from enrolled students.
- Tu Ora PHO - through referral from GP Piki – through enrolment in the Piki program.
- Victoria University – through referral from the student health & counselling team.
or call 0800 782 999