PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
Whakatika te aho tapu, ko teeraa te oranga o te iwi Maaori
Te Haa o Taawhirimaatea
Te Haa o Taawhirimaatea is a unique hauora programme, combining elements from Te Ao Maaori, neuropsychology, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and mindfulness skills. It also integrates evidence-based knowledge from psychology and medical science, setting it apart with its distinctive approach.
Kaupapa
Whakatika Te Aho Tapu,
Ko Teeraa Te Oranga O Te Iwi Maaori.
Make right the sacred thread,
from there comes the wellness of Maaori people.
Te Aka Toiora Trust was established in 1999 as a Maaori Psychological Service provider to support individuals and whaanau affected by violence, at risk of offending, or exposed to trauma.
To Taatou Mahi What We Do
Te Aka Toiora Trust is a Maaori Psychological & Social Service provider operating in South Auckland.
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver accessible and culturally grounded psychological and hauora services, fostering holistic well-being. We strive to empower Maaori whaanau with the tools and support needed to stand strong in their own mana, embracing aroha, tika, and pono.
Our Vision
To lead in providing psychological and hauora services to all Maaori, helping whaanau stand strong in their own mana.
Supporting Positive Change For Individuals And Whaanau
We help those who want to improve their lives and have:
- Witnessed violence
- Are at risk of offending or harming others
- Experienced sexual, physical, or emotional harm
- Been through traumatic events.
TAMARIKI/CHILDREN
We provide support and therapy for children who have been exposed to and or experienced trauma. The intervention can be 1-1 or a group programme which can be delivered in schools.
RANGATAHI/YOUTH
Up to 24 weeks, a 1-1 and or group programme for "at risk" youth focussed on developing cognitive skills, emotional regulation and personal development.
WAAHINE/wOMEN
Therapeutic assistance and support for women with children who have been exposed to and or experienced trauma. The intervention can be 1-1 or a group programme.
Whakahaere About Us
Te Aka Toiora, formerly known as Te Aho Tapu Trust, is a Maaori Psychological Service provider operating in the South Auckland region. Established in December 1999 by Aroha Panapa and Sharon Rickard, Te Aka Toiora is committed to utilising the specialist skills of our clinical psychologist to deliver individualised, holistic programmes for whaanau seeking support and healing.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to culturally grounded practices that honour the rich traditions and values of Te Ao Maaori.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to culturally grounded practices that honour the rich traditions and values of Te Ao Maaori.
Sharon Rickard
MA(Hons)PGDipClinPsych, MNZPsS
Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, Ngaati Tiipa, Waikato-Tainui
Founder & Clinical Psychologist - Kaimaatai Hinengaro;
Director - Te Aka Toiora Trust
Sharon Rickard is a Clinical Psychologist and the visionary founder of Te Aka Toiora Trust and Te Haa o Taawhirimaatea. Of Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, Ngaati Tiipa, and Waikato descent, Sharon has dedicated over 25 years to supporting Maaori communities, particularly in South Auckland.
As the Director of Te Aka Toiora Trust, Sharon has been instrumental in creating culturally responsive therapeutic approaches that honour and integrate Maaori ancestral knowledge and values. Her expertise lies in working with tamariki, rangatahi, and wahine Maaori, many of whom have experienced trauma.
Sharon's passion for healing and empowerment led her to design Te Haa o Taawhirimaatea, a unique programme which combines traditional Maaori practices with contemporary psychological techniques. Her commitment to fostering resilience, well-being, and cultural identity in Maaori communities is reflected in every aspect of this programme.
Through her dedication and understanding of Te Ao Maaori, Sharon continues to serve her community, supporting their journey towards holistic health and well-being.
As the Director of Te Aka Toiora Trust, Sharon has been instrumental in creating culturally responsive therapeutic approaches that honour and integrate Maaori ancestral knowledge and values. Her expertise lies in working with tamariki, rangatahi, and wahine Maaori, many of whom have experienced trauma.
Sharon's passion for healing and empowerment led her to design Te Haa o Taawhirimaatea, a unique programme which combines traditional Maaori practices with contemporary psychological techniques. Her commitment to fostering resilience, well-being, and cultural identity in Maaori communities is reflected in every aspect of this programme.
Through her dedication and understanding of Te Ao Maaori, Sharon continues to serve her community, supporting their journey towards holistic health and well-being.