Whānau Oranga Kaimahi Connect at Sexual Violence Conference 2026
Article
September 2026
Last week, Whānau Oranga kaimahi from Whāngaia and Tiaki Tipuna attended the annual Sexual Violence Conference 2026, hosted by Te Ohaakii a Hine – National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together (TOAH-NNEST) at Tākina Events Centre in Wellington.
The conference brought together sexual violence support practitioners, providers advocates and sector leaders from across Aotearoa to connect, share knowledge and strengthen approaches to preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors.
Sexual violence can be an incredibly difficult kaupapa to talk about. However, as moresurvivors are supported to share their experiences with strength and mana, and more people come together to have these important conversations, we can helpreduce the silence and whakamā that can surround sexual violence.
These conversations must always be approached with the highest level of sensitivity,respect and care, with the safety and wellbeing of survivors at the centre.For tamariki and rangatahi experiencing sexual violence, trusted and caring adultshave an important role to play. The trauma associated with sexual violence can make it extremely difficult for a young person to understand what has happenedor to speak about their experience.
They need adults around them who recognise when something may be wrong, listen without judgement, take concerns seriously and act to keep them safe. Adults who experience sexual violence can face similar feelings of isolation and whakamā. Reaching out for support can require enormous courage, and everysurvivor's pathway towards healing and recovery will be different.
Arange of support and healing approaches are available, including kaupapa Māori and Te Ao Māori approaches alongside clinical, medical and other therapeutic methods incorporating areas such as art and music.
The conference provided an important opportunity for practitioners and providers working across the sexual violence sector to share knowledge, experiences and information.
Kaimahi heard about sexual violence frameworks, best practice, prevention strategies,kaupapa Māori approaches, and different pathways to healing and recovery. Just as importantly, the conference strengthened relationships between the people and organisations working every day to support survivors, whānau and communities.
Our colleagues from Whāngaia Police and Te Rūnanga oTūranganui a Kiwa also attended the conference and delivered a workshop on TAIORA – the Tairāwhiti Iwi-Led Family Harm Hub. The workshop was well attended and provided an opportunity to share the locally led approach being developed in Tairāwhiti to respond to family harm.
The conference was also attended by representatives from across the political spectrum, including Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour, who delivered a keynote addressacknowledging survivors and the people working across the sector.
Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson, who participated in workshopsacross the two days, shared a powerful aspiration for the future:
Sexual violence is something our mokopuna should only read about in the history books.
For our Whānau Oranga kaimahi, attending the conference was an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, build connections across the sector and bringvaluable insights home to support the on going mahi being undertaken alongside whānau and communities across Tairāwhiti.
Ultimately,the kaupapa is about creating safer whānau and communities, supporting survivors with mana and compassion, and working towards a future where tamariki, rangatahi, pakeke and whānau can live free from sexual violence.
