Welcoming Iri and Exploring Tūāpapa

At last week’s staff hui we had the privilege of welcoming a new kaimahi into the Te Ako Rangatahi team – Iri McQueen:

Ko Pirongia te maunga

Ko Kawhia te moana

Ko Tainui te waka

Ko Ngati Mahuta te iwi

Ko Rakaunui te marae

Ko Ngati Hikairo te hapu

Ko Iri McQueen toku ingoa.

We then turned our attention to Ngā Pou Whaiora, with a focus on the Tūāpapa module. Tūāpapa represents the cornerstone of identity and purpose, empowering tangata whaiora to embrace their cultural roots, values, and strengths. It’s about laying a solid foundation for growth, wellbeing, and deeper connection.

In small groups, we reflected on two key pātai:

1. Interactions and Identity

Think of an interaction in the past month where identity came up in your mahi.👉 Was it a challenge or a success?👉 How do you help tangata whaiora feel seen and valued for who they are?👉 What role does culture, language, or whakapapa play in your mahi?👉 How confident do you feel supporting identity-related kōrero (around gender, culture, spirituality, etc.)?

2. Building Someone’s Tūāpapa

We also brainstormed the aspects of identity that can form someone’s tūāpapa. These included:

• Name and pepeha

• Gender identity

• Faith and spirituality

• Goals and aspirations

• Language and culture

• Whānau and whakapapa

• Talents and roles (e.g. māmā, artist, supporter)

• Whenua and iwi connections

• Values and lived experiences.

  
  

We then asked ourselves: which of these do we currently see, celebrate, or unintentionally ignore in our mahi?

This hui encouraged us to think deeply about the role identity plays in the lives of tangata whaiora, and how we as kaimahi can foster spaces where identity is seen, valued, and celebrated. As we continue journeying with our communities, may we always return to tūāpapa — the solid ground that gives strength, belonging, and direction.

Tūāpapa.pdf

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