He aha ā māua mahi?

What do we do?

Our services are underpinned and guided by the tongikura:

He Toi Tupu, He Toi Mahora and He Toi Taararau – the source of growth, the source of flourishment and the source of upliftment.  

It is our mission to share knowledge around positive approaches to takiwātanga and the hope is that once this has been received, it can be translated into many different settings, and it is for whānau and professionals to expand this information so that it is resurfaced and put into action.

He Toi Tupu

The Source of growth

Through our education and training services, professionals have the ability to grow their knowledge and understanding of takiwātanga from a Te Ao Māori perspective.  We work with you to develop tailored professional development seminars, plans and strategies.  At Kanorau, we ensure our education and training services are fit for purpose and assist professionals in translating learnings into their day-to-day practises.

  • Professional development on learning about the concept of takiwātanga and how to translate this into your day-to-day work settings.

    Developing culturally responsive plans and strategies for workplaces.

    Access to a range of resources that inform and assist professionals in their work.

  • Employers and those in professional roles who directly engage, interact with or support tāngata whaitakiwātanga;

    Employers and professionals who or are involved in service planning and design;

    Employers and professionals within government agencies and organisations in the health, disability and education sectors who are responsible for developing, designing and implementing policy and practice within these sectors.

  • Get in contact with us and we can book a consultation to co-design a package that can accommodate your needs and aspirations and send through our program overview.

He Toi Mahora

The source of flourishment

Empowering whānau to realise their potential to thrive and flourish to become self-determined and empowered leaders.  We provide a range of services and programs that are tailored to the needs of whānau.  Kanorau have a dedicated Kaiārahi to assist with navigating the various services, providing education and training to whānau and professionals and providing advocacy support for whānau within the school environment.  If you would like to know more about this service, please download the poster below.

  • From one whānau to another, we provide support from lived experience whether that be attending appointments with you, emotional support or assisting in growing your knowledge around understanding your taonga more.

    The Kaiārahi can provide a single point of contact for whānau and assist with exploring options to help support you achieve your goals and navigating the various support services and understanding what is available in your region.

    Advocacy in a number of settings to ensure whānau are accessing the right supports.

    Providing education and training to support whānau in ensuring their taonga are understood in various settings.

  • Whānau living with takiwātanga

    Tāngata whaitakiwātanga

  • You can get access to this service easily. Whether it be by self-referral, whānau referral or referral from your health or educational practitioners, you can access the support you need when you need it. In the first instance please send an email and we can set a time to meet and discuss further.

He Toi Taararau

The source of upliftment

Through our resources and information hub, we intend to uplift whānau and professionals through resources that incorporate cultural diversity as well as connecting whānau and professionals to resources where they have a future of increased resilience and capability.

  • Resources that inform whānau and professionals on takiwātanga and the characteristics that are associated with it.

    Resources and information that assist whānau in the education sector during transition and Individual Education Planning.

    Reliable and relevant knowledge through our information based on takiwātanga from a Māori worldview, pre-diagnosis and post-diagnosis advice.

  • Whānau living with takiwātanga

    Tāngata whaitakiwātanga

    Health and education professionals

  • Get in contact with us on our page to request tailored resources and information to suit your needs.

Kaiārahi support 

At Kanorau, we have a dedicated Kaiārahi who works one on one with whānau, guiding them through the often complex and emotional journey of navigating takiwātanga.  This holistic support is designed not only to empower whānau with the knowledge and tools they need but also to offer emotional reassurance, knowing they are not alone in the journey.

Ultimately, the role of the Kaiārahi is about ensuring that whānau feel understood, respected, and empowered as they work through the diagnosis and beyond, helping to create a pathway that is as smooth and supportive as possible.

The kaiārahi can provide

  • Advocacy

    The Kaiārahi advocates on behalf of whānau, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met within the system. This could involve liaising with healthcare providers, kura/schools, or other agencies, ensuring that the whānau’s concerns are addressed and that they have access to the support they need.

  • Whānau support

    From one whānau to another, we are here to provide emotional support and guide whānau on their journey. The Kaiārahi can provide whānau with accurate, clear, and culturally relevant information to help them understand takiwātanga, the diagnosis process, available resources, and the options available to them.

  • Navigation

    The Kaiārahi also acts as a bridge between whānau and the wider system, which can often feel overwhelming and disconnected. They provide a safe space where whānau can ask questions, express concerns, and feel supported as they navigate what can sometimes be a confusing and challenging process.

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FAQs

  • No, there is no cost to access the Kaiārahi. The support provided by the Kaiārahi at Kanorau is free of charge for whānau. We do not want this to be a barrier for whānau to getting the support they need!

  • We are based in Waikato - Hamilton. But we do travel and offer online support nation-wide. Get in touch with us to discuss further.

  • You can access the Kaiārahi’s support by contacting Kanorau directly. We can arrange a meeting or phone call to discuss your specific needs and how we can assist you through your journey. Our team is here to help guide you step by step.

  • No, you don’t need a formal diagnosis to access the Kaiārahi’s support. The Kaiārahi is available to assist whānau at any stage of the process, whether you are in the early stages of seeking a diagnosis or if you are already navigating the steps that follow a diagnosis.

  • Yes, the Kaiārahi can assist in understanding your child’s educational needs and connecting you with educational services or support. At Kanorau we specialise and prioritise working with kura kaupapa Māori and koohanga reo.

  • It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed along the journey, and the Kaiārahi is here to support you through those challenging moments. Whether it’s understanding complex information, managing emotional responses, or navigating the system, the Kaiārahi is available to provide reassurance and practical help. We’re here to walk alongside you, at your pace.

  • The Kaiārahi can act as an advocate and intermediary between you and healthcare providers or other services. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking on your behalf, the Kaiārahi can help ensure your concerns are heard and understood, and that you have the support you need to feel confident in your interactions with the system.

  • The Kaiārahi can help guide you through the process of applying for funding and support services. We can provide information on the different types of funding available, assist with the application process, and advocate on your behalf if needed. The aim is to ensure you can access the services and resources that will benefit your child and whānau.

  • At Kanorau, we truly understand the challenges that whānau face when navigating the journey of a diagnosis. This path can often feel overwhelming, filled with uncertainty, and at times, isolating. As parents ourselves who have walked this journey, we can provide support that is genuine and culturally grounded. We can attend meetings alongside you, offer a listening ear, provide advice and information around takiwātanga, and provide emotional support so you do not feel alone. Get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Questions before getting started?
Get in touch.

Our takiwātanga (autism) support services

Our resources and educational foundations are geared towards changing the narrative around ‘autism’ or ‘autism spectrum disorder’. We start this by using a powerful, positively charged term instead - ‘takiwātanga’. Takiwātanga characteristics are broad and affect every individual uniquely, and we come from a place of treating everyone with respect, dignity and space for their individual needs and aspirations. All of our listed services can be tailored to suit your needs; simply speak to us about how we can help you best.

What is takiwātanga?

Takiwātanga was developed by Rangatira and te reo expert Keri Opai, who also created Te Reo Hāpai. Te Reo Hāpai is a Māori language glossary for use in the mental health, addiction and disability sectors. Te Reo Hāpai was created to provide a positive Maori worldview to terms that often carry a negative connotation. Being informed by Te Ao Māori can provide whānau with a positive perspective of takiwātanga. When you view takiwātanga from a māori perspective, we understand that our taonga see the world differently and operate on a different rhythm and frequency. Rather than being seen as a disability, we empower through language to see these unique characteristics as special abilities instead.