Our Approach

At Kiriwi Puawaitanga Whanau Trust, our approach is to nurture and support the growth of an individual to realise their  true potential.

Explore how our values and strategies shape our work with communities across Aotearoa.

A Unique Approach to Cross-Cultural Supervision

Kiriwi Puawaitanga Whanau Trust's approach to cross-cultural supervision is unique, kaupapa-driven, culturally diverse, and inclusive of all cultures and ethnic groups. It is transparent, mana-enhancing, and professional.

Empowering Whānau: A Story of Collaboration

Kiriwi Puawaitanga Whanau Trust assisted a Māori whānau struggling to navigate the social services system, feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood. To address this, we organized cross-cultural supervision sessions involving social workers, whānau members, and tribal elders. This inclusive dialogue allowed the family to voice their concerns in a culturally safe setting.

During the sessions, elders shared stories highlighting whānau unity and respect, which helped social workers incorporate these values into their practice. As the whānau engaged more deeply, they felt empowered in decision-making, leading to enhanced communication with social services and more culturally appropriate support. Ultimately, this collaboration benefited both the family and social workers, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural context and promoting a more respectful service. Kiriwi Puawaitanga Whanau Trust's approach exemplifies the importance of individual empowerment and community respect.

Core Values Guiding Our Approach

Kiriwi Puawaitanga Whanau Trust is guided by key values including:

  1. Cultural Respect: Honoring Cultural identity and traditions in service delivery.
  2. Empowerment: Enabling tangata and whānau to actively participate in decision-making.
  3. Collaboration: Fostering teamwork among social workers, tangata whānau, supervisees and elders.
  4. Inclusivity: Providing a safe space for tangata, supervisees and whānau to express their needs.
  5. Holistic Support: Considering social, emotional, and cultural factors in care.
  6. Education: Promoting cross-cultural diversity, understanding and respect.
  7. Community Engagement: Strengthening ties with the local community.

Evolving to Meet Community Needs

To ensure our approach evolves with the changing needs of the communities we serve, we implement the following strategies:

  1. Feedback Loops: We regularly gather feedback from tangata and whānau through surveys and community meetings to understand their needs.
  2. Ongoing Training: Staff participate in regular training on trends in social work and cultural practices to stay informed.
  3. Collaborative Partnerships: We work with local organizations and cultural leaders to enhance our understanding of community needs.
  4. Flexible Services: Our programs are adaptable to meet the unique needs of individuals and communities.
  5. Data Utilization: We leverage data to identify service gaps and areas for improvement.
  6. Cultural Competency: We continually invest in understanding diverse cultural identities to ensure our services are inclusive.
  7. Evaluation: We regularly evaluate our programs to promote learning and growth within our organization.

These strategies help us provide relevant and effective support that meets community needs.

Ready to experience our approach?

Discover the benefits of culturally responsive social services

Feel free to contact us to learn more about how we can support you and your community.