Whānau Awhi

Close-up on a young child's hands, doing NZ sign language sign for "equal" or "same".

Whānau Awhi — Supporting Tamariki and Whānau Together

The Whānau Awhi team supports tamariki and their whānau facing challenges that may affect their health, wellbeing, education, social, or financial situation.

Our approach:

  • We focus on the strengths and needs of tamariki and their whānau, including emotional wellbeing, relationships, parenting, and any barriers they may face.

  • We connect closely with your early childhood provider, other agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and community groups to ensure the child is always at the centre and their voice is heard.

  • We share information and work together to create one clear plan for each child and their whānau.

  • We believe early intervention makes a big difference.

  • Our service is confidential and completely free.

We’re here to walk alongside you, supporting your family on your unique journey.

Working together

Child wearing a brown sun hat and gray t-shirt playing with colorful LEGO bricks on a outdoors carpet with trees, blue sky, and buildings in the background.
A child wearing a red knit hat and glasses drawing on white paper with a black pen, with Polynesian style wood carvings and patterned photographs displayed on a wooden table at an outdoor event.

When a family or caregiver requests support from Whānau Awhi, we reach out to arrange a time to meet and discuss any concerns.

If ongoing support is needed, we’ll always seek consent before continuing to work alongside the family or whānau.

Our initial assessment includes conversations with the parent or caregiver, their key teacher, other staff members, and any agencies already involved with the family.

From there, we work together to support the family in achieving positive wellbeing outcomes for their tamariki.

Every whānau is unique, so our approach is flexible and tailored to meet the specific needs of each child and their family.

Meet the Whānau Awhi team

A young woman with red hair and blue eyes smiling outdoors in front of a wooden fence. She is wearing a white t-shirt with partially visible text and a blue denim jacket.

Kia ora my name is Michelle Tuhakaraina

I’m a Whānau Facilitator with Whānau Awhi. My role is to support families, whānau, and teachers by sharing positive teaching strategies and helping to remove any barriers, so every child has the opportunity to flourish.

027 366 3224

Michelle.tuhakaraina@ntk.org.nz

A young woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing a navy and purple athletic jacket with a logo reading 'Chana' on the front, standing outdoors in front of a wooden fence.

​Kia ora my name is Jodi Kohu

I am the Kaiarahi Māori at Nelson Tasman Kindergartens. My role involves supporting learning programmes through a te ao Māori lens, and working with Whānau Awhi to navigate Māori supports and services that enhance children’s wellbeing outcomes.

03 546 7683 ext 712

Jodi.kohu@ntk.org.nz

Referrals to Whānau Awhi

Nelson Tasman Kindergartens and Early Education settings can make referrals to Whānau Awhi by completing a referral form with your Head Teacher or the Whānau Awhi team.

Referral form (PDF)

Referral form (Word document)

All Referrals to be sent to: whanausupport@ntk.org.nz