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Te Haa o Taawhirimaatea

About this Programme

  • 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. Our programme is designed to be adaptable and usually includes 8 sessions of roughly 2.5 hours each, though this may vary based on the needs of the group. The programme covers the following:
  • Te Haa - Breath work: using the breath to calm yourself
  • Noho Puku - Meditation
  • Nga Puutake o Whakaaro - The Origin of Thought: understanding our thoughts
  • Puumotomoto - The Brain: how the brain works
  • Ngaa Manawa - The Hearts: aligning the three hearts
  • Te Tukituki i te Patu Wairua - Trauma: understanding trauma
  • Rongoaa - Healing
  • Whakawhetai - Gratitude
  • Te Ao Maarama - Overview
Each session includes noho puku (meditation) and mindfulness practices.
To make the most of the programme, we recommend attending all sessions, integrating mindfulness into your daily schedule, and committing to a regular mindfulness meditation practice.
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Meet Our Founder and Kaiaarahi

Ko te manu kai i te miro, noona te ngaahere.Ko te manu kai i te maatauranga, noona te ao. The bird that consumes the miro berry owns the forest;the bird that consumes knowledge, owns the world.
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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, the founder of Te Aka Toiora Trust and Te Haa o Taawhirimaatea, is a Clinical Psychologist and Kaiaarahi. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in designing culturally responsive therapeutic approaches that integrate Maaori knowledge with contemporary psychology, focusing on healing and empowering Maaori communities.
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MAREE BROWN
Diploma in Teaching-Bilingual
Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, Ngaati Tiipa, Waikato-Tainui
Expertise In Te Ao Maaori
Maree is a Kaiaarahi for the programme, bringing her extensive knowledge, positive attitude, and deep connection to Te Ao Maaori. Her passion for integrating Maaori perspectives enriches the programme, fostering a nurturing and culturally grounded environment for all participants.
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Nau mai, haere mai

Want to Know More or Ready to Register? We’re here to help! Contact us for more information or secure your spot in our next Hauora programme today. Register Now – Limited Spots Available Don’t miss out! Reserve your place today.
Have questions? Reach out to us anytime.
Kia ora!
Thank you for your enquiry. We will be in touch as soon as we can.
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Stay Connected
Contact Us
027 235 1182
Whakapaa Mai
teakatoiora@gmail.com
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Te Aka Toiora, formerly Te Aho Tapu Trust, is a Māori psychological service provider in South Auckland, founded in December 1999 by Aroha Panapa and Sharon Rickard. It offers personalized, holistic support for whānau, utilizing the skills of a clinical psychologist, with a strong emphasis on culturally grounded practices that respect Māori traditions and values.
Copyright © Te Aka Toiora Trust, 2025 All rights reserved.