What is Waka Wairua?
- The Waka Wairua framework is structured into six distinct stages designed to empower wāhine through the pūrākau of wāhine atua. These stages include:
- Human Waka, Environmental Waka, Tūpuna Waka, Internal Mauri
- Hinengaro, Te Taiao.
- Whānau embark on a journey to identify, remove, and reset both internal and external challenges. This transformative process involves:
- Establishing healthy boundaries in relationships with friends and whānau.
- Evaluating surroundings to ensure they empower rather than deplete one's mauri.
- Connecting with tūpuna for guidance throughout the journey.
- Understanding the nervous system and mauri shifts.
- Aligning mauri
- Reprogramming the brain and emotions through positive, empowering self-talk.
- Ultimately, this framework shows wāhine they are mareikura through their whakapapa to Hineahuone, supporting them as they refine and clean up vital areas of their lives through a continuous cycle of: REVIEW, REMOVE, RESET, REPEAT.
6 Week Online Programme
Waka Wairua provides an initial overnight wānanga, currently focused on supporting wāhine and rangatahi. This is followed by a six-week programme with two flexible learning pathways:Wāhine can participate in weekly Zoom sessions every Wednesday at 6:00 PM while completing online reflective modules. Wāhine may choose a self-paced option, focusing solely on the online modules in their own time.
Waka Wairua Haerenga
Meet Our Founders
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, is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience. She specializes in designing and delivering culturally responsive therapeutic approaches that integrate Maaori knowledge with contemporary psychology, focusing on healing and empowering Maaori communities.
MAA BROWN
Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, Ngaati Tiipa, Waikato-Tainui
Expertise In Te Ao Maaori, Diploma in Teaching (Bilingual)
Director of Waka Wairua, General Manager.
Maa is a Kaihautu of 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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