Te Whāriki o te Ara Oranga
The network for innovators, influencers and leaders driving change
Te Whāriki o te Ara Oranga (Whāriki) is the network for innovators, influencers and leaders driving change in mental health and addiction services. It helps people to find examples of what is working to transform services and connect communities to the tools and solutions that are leading change for tāngata whai ora, whānau and all communities.
Focus on wellbeing
Whāriki is a response to the call in He Ara Oranga, the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, for a system focused on wellbeing that makes the most of existing talent and builds capability and relationships across the sector and communities. A key component of the Government’s response to He Ara Oranga is to establish a mechanism for sharing innovation and learning about what works well, so services can change in ways that improve the mental health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders.
Power to transform
Whāriki enables members to connect, wānanga, and learn from the innovation that is already happening across Aotearoa and tap into the experience of others. Te Tiriti-based and sector-owned, Whāriki is accelerating improvements in mental health and wellbeing and equity for Māori by providing a forum to:
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be inspired by diverse perspectives and experiences
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learn about Māori models of health and wellbeing and approaches that address equity
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hui with mental health and addiction leaders from across the country to exchange knowledge, thinking and tools
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learn about the principles of innovation and how to apply them in your community
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support the creation of subnetworks focused on specific aspects of practical change within services.
Share learning and innovation
Whāriki evolves as more and more members participate and shape its direction. Its online platform helps members make connections to share their experiences, resources and practical examples of how they are delivering services differently. Whāriki supports talent, drive and new ways of thinking by identifying great improvements that already exist. Whāriki pulls these pockets of excellence together to extend them across the motu.
Be part of change
Whāriki welcomes innovators, leaders and influencers of all kinds across mental health and addiction services, including tangata whenua, people with lived experience, clinicians, planners and funders, and service managers that reflect the diversity of Aotearoa. Members bring collective knowledge, wide-ranging perspectives and an openness to learn. To find out more and join a supportive community committed to change, visit Whāriki. There is a short registration process to get access to the platform.
Focus
The current focus of the network is on thinking, initiatives and events in mental health and addiction services that:
- improve equity for Māori
- increase access to services
- expand choices so that services work well for people
- learn from COVID-19 innovation.
These initial focus areas were determined from feedback from the sector and will evolve. Get in touch to recommend initiatives, feedback and contribute to the conversation.
The team
The Whāriki rōpū connect leaders, innovators and the mātauranga (knowledge) they bring. They provide support, scan for new ideas and host learning events for the sector. The ringa kohikohi support threads of knowledge being woven into real world solutions and champion change for tāngata whai ora.
Meet Katheryn Butters (RN, MPhil)
Whāriki ringa kohikohi (knowledge broker)
Pākehā, Areani
Katheryn is a registered nurse with 30 years in the mental health and addiction sector in leadership, management and education roles. Katheryn has had successes with small and large-scale change and is committed to social justice and equity for Māori. Having joined from the university sector, Katheryn has a particular interest in how to support and develop the workforce to make real changes that improve services for the people of Aotearoa.
Meet Lianne Kohere
Whāriki Kaikōtuitui
Muaūpoko, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato-Tainui, Te Arawa.
Lianne has over 30 years’ experience in the Public Sector across the New Zealand Army, Health and Disability sector and Ara Poutama, Department of Corrections. I have a wide range of skills in human resources, Māori Workforce Development, Learning and Development, a Corrections Officer and most recently I was fortunate to be involved in the co-design project of Hikitia, Waikeria Mental Health & Addictions Service as the Workforce Development Lead. Her passion and drive are to improve equity for Māori and their hapori.
Meet Kahu-Rangi Watene
Whāriki Kaiwaewae - Programme coordinator
Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei.
Kahu-Rangi comes from a whānau of educationalists, and her professional journey has primarily been in the field of education. Kahu-Rangi worked as a kaiako in kōhanga reo and puna kōhungahunga, where she developed a deep appreciation for the importance of early childhood education and the nurturing of our tamariki. Also having served as a public servant, Kahu-Rangi has experience working with and for whānau Māori in te reo Māori educational settings.
Meet Isabella Hammond (BA, MC)
Whāriki Communications and Marketing
Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi
Isabella holds a Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Communication with Distinction from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, where she previously worked as Senior Marketing and Communications Adviser. Her Master’s degree focussed on Kaupapa Māori and its application as a methodology in the world of media and communication. Isabella has worked in several roles across both the public and private sector. Working with Māori, for Māori, has always been central to Isabella's mahi.
