Takiwātanga Resources.

Culturally Grounded Resources.

Kanorau has partnered with Altogether Autism are to develop and provide culturally responsive Takiwātanga resources for the community, whānau, hapū and iwi. We aim to create free learning resources to develop relevant information and share knowledge on takiwātanga through a Te Ao Māori lens.

Re-storying Autism and Re-Indigenising Narratives.

Our approach and delivery has been built on a te ao Māori worldview first. Re-indigenising narratives involves grounding the resources in Indigenous knowledge systems, languages, and worldviews, respecting the cultural contexts and lived experiences of whānau and communities navigating the journey of living with takiwātanga.

By re-storying autism, we shift away from stereotypes based on Western, medical ideologies of autism and adopt a more holistic perspective through a cultural lens that celebrates the strengths, talents, and potential of our taonga.

It is hoped that these resources work towards supporting self-determination, healing, and empowerment, enabling Māori to reclaim ownership of our stories, mātauranga and identities.

Outcomes

We aim to provide free takiwatanga resources. Our goal is to create readily accessible, mana-enhancing resources that are informed by lived-experience and underpinned within te ao Māori. The resources will be accessible on both the Kanorau and Altogether Autism websites. As a result of discussion through wānanga, there will be three different resources: One for whānau, one for professionals and one for taonga.

Whānau Resource

E-LEARNING MODULE
This E-learning module aims to provide mātauranga on takiwātanga for whānau at the initial stages of their journey. It shares knowledge on a te ao Māori perspective on takiwātanga, offering support and guidance for whānau throughout the diagnosis process, along with practical tips to implement to support your taonga whaitakiwātanga.
Professional Resource

E-LEARNING MODULE
This E-learning focuses on sharing knowledge amongst professionals dedicated to supporting taonga through their work. In this e-learning module you will hear the perspectives and insights from whānau with lived experience and also Māori professionals within the health, disability and education sectors. This resource aims to enhance a cultural understanding of autism and foster more culturally responsive practices in the field, thereby contributing to creating a safer journey for taonga whaitakiwātanga and their whānau.
Taonga Motuhake Resource

This resource will be created specifically by taonga whaitakiwātanga for taonga whaitakiwātanga. The aim is to develop a resource that reflects the values and unique insights of our taonga. By working together, participants will exchange their wisdom and experiences, ultimately leading to a valuable tool that honours and acknowledges their collective identity and Māoritanga.

Director
Jessica Hita is Māmā to three beautiful tamariki and is passionate about ensuring taonga have access to the support they deserve. Jessica hopes through the development of these resources whānau and professionals have access to mātauranga that has empowered her on her journey raising Te Aurere being authentically Māori.

Online Creation and Engagement Coordinator | Te Ara Ipurangi
Altogether Autism
Jamie-Leigh Timoti is a skilled community facilitator with over five years of experience in autism education. Representing Altogether Autism, she combines professional expertise with her lived experience as a māmā to neurodivergent children to support whānau and communities. Jamie-Leigh is passionate about amplifying the voices of tangata whaitakiwātanga, ensuring their perspectives guide her mahi. Her work focuses on delivering mana-enhancing, accessible resources rooted in Te Ao Māori, empowering whānau to navigate their unique journeys with strength and cultural connection.

This resource has also been guided by the expertise of an advisory board filled with lived experience and cultural expertise.

Who is leading this mahi?

Meet the Advisory Board

Dr. Pouroto Ngaropo

Mataatua, Te Arawa, Tainui, Takitimu, Ngātokimatawhaorua.
Dr Pouroto Ngaropo is a skilled tohunga, senior cultural expert and historian of mātauranga Māori. He is connected to many iwi and hapū throughout Aotearoa.
Dr. Pouroto has a mokopuna living with takiwātanga and is a senior advisor for disability organisation Your Way | Kia Roha.
Nikora Heke

Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Waikato, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungungu, Ngāti Tūhourangi, Ngāti Porou.
Nikora is married to Zania, and together raise their seven children in Waikato. He is passionate about using his experiences in the health and disability sectors to inform and empower Māori self-determination. He is a deep thinker, and a strategist that draws on the logical strengths that come from being Autistic.
Tahu Ohia

Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi.
Tahu is currently working at Māoriland as a rangatahi filmmaker. Tahu was diagnosed with Autism and Global Developmental Delay when he was six years old. Tahuaroa wrote and directed the short film "He Karu, he taringa".
Stevie Warren

Ngāpuhi
Stevie is a wife and Māmā to five beautiful tamariki and has a background in education and teaching. From the far north, Stevie is passionate about ensure tamariki get access to equitable education and support.