Te Tūāpapa: Adversity and Resilience 

He Tūāpapa refers to a foundation — a base upon which growth, stability, and strength are built. This workshop invites kaimahi to reflect on the pivotal role of early childhood and adolescence as wā whakahirahira, where the tūāpapa for lifelong wellbeing is laid. 

Snapshot of Content

 

  • Early childhood and adolescence as foundations for lifelong wellbeing

  • The influence of experiences, relationships, and environments on growth

  • The impacts of systemic inequities, structural disadvantage and historical factors

  • Protective factors grounded in mātauranga Māori, supported by western science

  • The role of kaimahi and collective care in supporting tamariki and rangatahi

 

Description

 

He Tūāpapa refers to a foundation — a base upon which growth, stability, and strength are built. This workshop invites kaimahi to reflect on the pivotal role of early childhood and adolescence as wā whakahirahira, where the tūāpapa for lifelong wellbeing is laid. Designed through an ao Māori lens and supported by western science, it explores how experiences, relationships, and environments shape the pathways of tamariki and taiohi.

Participants will engage with kaupapa such as whakapapa, mana, tapu, whanaungatanga, and mauri, while considering the wider systems that influence development — including the impacts of colonisation, racism, and poverty. Through pūrākau, whakataukī, and research insights, kaimahi are supported to identify ways to strengthen the tūāpapa for those they work alongside, fostering resilience and mauri ora.

 

Learning Outcomes

 

  • Deepen understanding of why early childhood and adolescence are critical periods for wellbeing
  • Reflect on insights from mātauranga Māori, tūpuna wisdom, and contemporary science
  • Recognise how whānau, relationships, and culturally grounded practices strengthen resilience
  • Identify opportunities in practice, organisational, or policy contexts to help build strong tūāpapa for tamariki, taiohi, and whānau
Audience

Kaimahi and professionals working with tamariki, taiohi, and their whānau.

 

Duration

  • Half-day (4 hours) introductory workshop.

  • Full-day (8 hours) workshop (extension) – further exploring risk and protective factors, frameworks, case studies, and models to inform reflective practice.

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