Trauma informed approaches
Recognising and understanding
Understanding what has happened to a person and their whānau, rather than focusing on what is wrong with a person, is the basis to a trauma-informed approach. Many services are actively working towards providing trauma informed approaches.
People have different responses to trauma and we need to be aware of the event, the experience by a person or a population and the effects of the event. A trauma informed approach recognises and understands trauma can negatively affect whānau, groups, organisations and communities, as well as individuals.
In New Zealand the impacts of colonisation on the wellbeing of Māori people, the impact of historical trauma events and their contribution to negative health disparities experienced by many whānau (extended family), hapū (sub-tribes), and iwi (tribes) need to be considered in any trauma-informed approach.
A trauma-informed approach not only affects people who access health services but includes close attention to the wellbeing of workers. The prevention of further trauma and building resilience are essential factors needed for promoting worker wellbeing. See these worker wellbeing resources.
Research, initiatives and resources to support services and communities to develop trauma informed approaches often come from USA, Canada, UK and Australia. The use of, or adaption of, any overseas designed trauma informed care resources requires careful consideration to ensure that we are culturally respectful of, and responsive to, Māori people.
Key resources

Trauma informed approaches - essential level
Weaving together knowledge for wellbeing

Trauma e-learning - enhanced level
Learn and apply skills in practice

Trauma and Covid-19
Being trauma-informed in challenging times

Evidence update for least restrictive practice in Aotearoa New Zealand: Vicarious trauma
Evidence on vicarious trauma among the mental health and addiction workforce.

Trauma-informed approach: An update of the literature
This review investigated what a trauma-informed approach looks like in Aotearoa New Zealand and the factors supporting the implementation of a trauma-informed approach.

Trauma-informed approach literature review summary
A summary of the full literature review investigating what a trauma-informed approach looks like in Aotearoa New Zealand and the factors supporting the implementation of a trauma-informed approach.

Ki Te Ao Mārama
In 2023 Whāraurau partnered with Te Pou, Te Rau Ora and Māoriland Productions to produce a short five-minute video called Ki Te Ao Mārama – Toward light, understanding and growing.
The video is aimed at helping people working with all mokopuna and whānau to understand the possible impacts of intergenerational trauma on hauora and to encourage them to lead with hope. Taking a Māori perspective, the video explores mauri (energy) as both a source and an indicator of wellbeing; suggesting simple ways we can help to shift this dynamic life force when it becomes blocked or caught in unhelpful patterns that may affect close loved ones for generations to come.
What actions are we taking?
Te Pou is working in collaboration with other workforce centres; Whāraurau, Le Va and Te Rau Ora to develop further resources for trauma informed approaches in New Zealand.
Le Va has produced a learning module to raise awareness of the effects of trauma and a trauma informed approach, but specifically with a focus on a healing-centred approach when working with Pasifika people and families.
In 2018 Te Pou published a literature scan about trauma informed care:
- Trauma informed Care Literature Scan Full Report
- Trauma informed Care Literature Scan Executive Summary
Published a list of organisations that have produced resources about trauma informed care.
Ensured that the refresh of Let’s get real: Real Skills for working with people and whānau with mental health and addiction needs, recognises the need for trauma informed approaches are included across the seven Real Skills.
Key Contacts


Resources
Te Pou has a wide range of evidence-based resources and tools to help the addiction and mental health workforce.
Learn MoreOur work
Te Pou works alongside addiction and mental health services to understand their priorities and workforce challenges.
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