In partnership with Poutini Waiora and Te Whatu Ora, Kā Pou Whenua provides an after-hours crisis support service for Tangata Whaiora aged 18 and over.
The service is designed for those experiencing mental or emotional distress who may not meet the threshold for specialist services, but still need support on their hauora journey. Grounded in Mātauranga Māori and guided by the Te Whare Tapa Whā model of care, Kā Pou Whenua takes a whakapapa-based approach – keeping one eye on the past while looking to the future. This ensures whaiora and their whānau receive holistic, wraparound support that honours their identity, strengths, and aspirations.
Our kaimahi bring together both clinical expertise and cultural knowledge, walking alongside whaiora to help them:
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Navigate challenges and distressing experiences
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Identify needs and goals
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Build resilience, skills, and confidence within their support networks
Ka Pou Whenua is a collaborative kaupapa Māori option for tangata whaiora experiencing mental distress. Partners for this service are Purapura Whetu Trust, He Waka Tapu and Te Whatu Ora.
Focussing on strengths and using processes that are engaging and inclusive, Ka Pou Whenua addresses individual challenges, identifies needs and works in partnership with whānau to develop strategies to achieve realistic outcomes.
Ka Pou Whenua is co-delivered by a team of cultural, clinical, and non-clinical kaimahi and provides safe and holistic pathways to hauora, using Mātauranga Māori as the basis for engagement and service delivery.
This programme is working closely alongside Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Specialist Mental Health Services, Christchurch Central Police and Community Health and Social services, with an aim to work together in a "one service" approach to ensure a seamless and whanau-centered Journey.
Referrals Exclusions:
- Crisis Resolution teams
- Emergency Department staff
- Whakarongorau Aotearoa New Zealand Telehealth Services
- Police
- Health & Social Services (NGOs)
- General Practice
Note: We currently do not accept self-referrals in the Waitaha region.
- Acute psychosis
- Immediate suicide risk
- Significant mania
- High-risk conditions affecting dependent care
- Dementia diagnosis
- A preference against kaupapa Māori services
Referrals Can be made by:
Contact:
021 540 986
Phone call made by a professional is required first and if accepted, complete this online referral
Learn more at our website
Referral Access:
