Whānau Wānanga

Connection, shared learning and wellbeing for māmā and whānau

Motherhood was never meant to be navigated alone. Yet many māmā experience isolation, overwhelm and a lack of meaningful support, especially during pregnancy and the early postpartum years. Our Whānau Wānanga have been designed to create opportunities for māmā and whānau to come together, build connections and strengthen their wellbeing in a safe, welcoming and uplifting environment.

Wānanga will be held at marae around Tāmaki Makaurau and will be shaped around the experiences and needs of māmā and whānau. They are spaces where you can learn, share, laugh, ask questions and connect with others who understand the realities of parenthood. There is no expectation to have everything together, you are welcome exactly as you are.

What can I expect?

Each Whānau Wānanga will focus on a different kaupapa connected to the wellbeing of māmā, pēpi and whānau. Wānanga will include:

• Practical tools for supporting mental and emotional wellbeing

• Shared kai and time to relax, kōrero and simply be together

• Rongoā services such as mirimiri and romiromi

• Kōrero about pregnancy, postpartum health and the realities of motherhood

• Mātauranga Māori approaches to hauora and whānau wellbeing

• Creative, cultural or wellbeing-based activities

• Information and advice from trusted practitioners and kaupapa Māori services

• Opportunities to connect with other māmā and build supportive relationships

• Information about further services and support available to māmā and whānau

Details about the kaupapa, location and registration process for each wānanga will be shared through our website and social media pages.

Who are the wānanga for?

Our Whānau Wānanga are for hapū and new Māori māmā, their tamariki, partners and the whānau who surround and support them.

We know that the wellbeing of māmā does not sit with māmā alone. Partners and whānau play an important role in creating safe, nurturing environments where māmā, pēpi and tamariki can thrive. Our wānanga give whānau opportunities to learn together, strengthen their understanding of maternal wellbeing and explore practical ways they can manaaki māmā throughout pregnancy, postpartum and early parenthood.

Pēpi and tamariki are also welcome, unless otherwise stated in the information for a particular wānanga. We aim to make each gathering relaxed, inclusive and accessible for whānau so you can come as you are, without worrying about needing to arrange childcare.

You do not need to receive In-Home Manaaki to attend a Whānau Wānanga. The wānanga are open to eligible māmā and their whānau as a separate form of support.

A safe and supportive space

Our wānanga are grounded in manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and respect for the mana of every person who attends. We aim to create spaces where māmā feel seen, heard and supported, without judgement or pressure to share more than they are comfortable with.

You are welcome to participate in the way that feels right for you. You might contribute to the kōrero, take part in an activity, connect quietly with another māmā or simply come along and listen.

He aha te utu? What is the cost?

Thanks to funding received from the Mental Health Foundation, our Whānau Wānanga are free to attend. Spaces may be limited for some wānanga, so registration may be required in advance.

Me pēhea te rēhita? How can I register?

Upcoming Whānau Wānanga will be advertised on our website and social media pages. Each listing will include information about the kaupapa, date, time, location, who can attend and how to register.

Upcoming Wānanga:

Dates / location / time / details