August 2026

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An iwi-led approach to supporting whānau experiencing family harm is helping reshape the way communities across Te Tairāwhiti and Wairoa respond when whānau need support.

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TAIORA brings together Ngāti Porou Oranga (NPO). Te Rūnanganui o Tūranganui a Kiwa (TROTAK), Enabled Wairoa to develop a whānau-centred, iwi-led response to family harm.

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The approach recognises that while Police and statutory agencies continue to have an important role in responding to incidents and ensuring immediate safety, whānau may need much more than an immediate crisis response.

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Through TAIORA, iwi are able to step alongside whānau earlier and provide a pathway to culturally grounded support that focuses on the wider needs of the whānau.

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For whānau experiencing challenges within relationships, violence or other pressures that can place significant strain on the whole family, this means having the opportunity to connect directly with iwi and community support following Police intervention.

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The kaupapa represents a significant shift in the way family harm responses can operate – moving towards a model where iwi, agencies and communities work collectively around whānau.

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Sharing the TAIORA vision

On Wednesday 12 August, representatives from TROTAK, Ngāti Porou Oranga and Enabled Wairoa presented the TAIORA approach to Hon Karen Chhour, Minister for Children and Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, at Te Rūnanganui o Tūranganui a Kiwa.

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The presentation provided an opportunity to share the vision, purpose and future direction of TAIORA, and the work underway across Te Tairāwhiti and into Wairoa.

It outlined why TAIORA was established, the development of the iwi-led family harm response, and key areas of work including:

• multi-agency responses at regional and national levels
• building workforce capability through training
• testing a high-risk response prototype
• strengthening the role of iwi in supporting whānau following family harm incidents.

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The Minister was able to hear directly from the iwi organisations involved about the model being developed and its potential to create transformational change for whānau and communities.

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TAIORA ultimately seeks to create a response where whānau are not defined by a crisis or incident, but are supported by people and organisations who understand their communities and can walk alongside them towards greater safety and wellbeing.

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