Kaitiaki Tua Whakarere Whānau ora Consultancy

27/09/2025

Access to information is always on our mind, but even more so today. Why? It is International Day for Universal Access to Information 2025!

A huge part of our work is ensuring that everyone can access our content. That is why we are using a new accessible online platform to collect feedback on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy.

The platform has in-built audio, Easy Read, large text and NZSL so people can complete the survey using the alternate format that most suits them. So far people rated the platform 4.3 stars out of 5. 83% of people who used platform rated it either a 4 or 5.

www.whaikaha.govt.nz/about-us/our-work/new-zealand-disability-strategy-refresh -to-3

The consultation is open until midnight tonight, so now is the time to give your feedback if you have not yet done so!

You can read about our commitment to accessible information in the Whaikaha Strategic Intentions, which can be found in a format specifically designed to be accessible here:

www.strategicintentions.whaikaha.govt.nz

Other formats of our Strategic Intentions can be found on this page:

https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/about-us/corporate-publications/strategic-intentions/strategic-intentions-tauaki

Any feedback around accessibility on our website? Please send us a message to let us know.

Image description: An Easy Read version of the draft Disability Strategy, featuring images of people conveying approval and disapproval as answer examples to the questions listed. This is to help those with certain accessibility needs answer the question with confidence. The question is "How much do you agree that the vision will lead to meaningful change?"

27/09/2025

Large-scale search continues for missing Christchurch teen. Read more ⬇️

26/09/2025

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More than 11 years after the deaths of two patients at Palmerston North Hospital's mental health ward triggered damning reviews into the facility, a replacement has opened.

Full story below - warning: This story contains reference to self-harm and su***de 🔗

26/09/2025

🚍 Awesome news! CCS Disability Action has received a $5,000 grant from Kinetic to help uncover the journeys disabled people don’t take – because of access barriers.

This project will help us understand transport exclusion and work with planners to build more inclusive systems for everyone.

“Thanks to Kinetic’s generous support, we can shine a light on the barriers that prevent disabled people from participating fully in their communities,” says Mary O’Brien, Access Advisor.

We’re excited to be working with Bridget Doran, a Research and Transport Engineer, to make this happen.

💙 Inclusion starts with knowledge. Thank you, Kinetic, for backing this important mahi!

Learn more: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/kinetic-grant



Image description: White speech bubble on light blue background contains the text: "Thanks to Kinetic’s generous support, we can shine a light on the barriers that prevent disabled people from participating fully in their communities" surrounded by dark blue quotation marks. Below in dark blue is the text: "Mary O'Brien, Access Advisor". Image has rounded corners, a white border, and the CCSDA icon in the top left corner.

26/09/2025

25/09/2025

“I see how our systems deliberately keep people poor.” Lawyer and disability advocate, Huhana Hickey, on the systemic failures that disproportionally affect disabled people – especially if they’re Māori.

24/09/2025

Step into menopause with confidence! Join our expert panel for practical guidance, cultural insights, and strategies to support your wellbeing through this life stage.

We’re excited to introduce one of our panelists: Kandace Smiler, Rongoā Practitioner. With over a decade of experience in holistic health and the wisdom of Rongoā Māori, Kandace empowers wāhine through mirimiri, whitiwhiti kōrero, karakia, and plant-based remedies to support mind, body, and spirit.

During the webinar, Kandace will share how the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) and connections with wāhine atua (female atua) provide profound guidance during menopause, offering fresh perspectives on this important life stage.

💡 Hear from Kandace and our other incredible experts on 17 October - reserve your spot now!

👉 Register for the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H_waYnWyRR-fKt51XbZlvg

👉 Check out Kandace’s full profile here: https://marketplace.ignite.org.nz/providers/kandace-smiler-rongoa-practitioner

24/09/2025

Disability advocates say parking providers need to do more to prevent mobility parks being used by those who don't have a permit.

24/09/2025

Kūmarahou — Brew of Flowers & Leaves 🌼🍵 Both the leaves and the flowers of kūmarahou can be used. The flowers give a softer, floral tea, while the leaves brew bitter and strong, opening the chest and easing coughs. Together, they balance each other — gentle and powerful in one cup.

Harvest tikanga:
Take lightly. A few leaves here, a small cluster of flowers there. Never strip one plant. It’s important to leave enough flowers to go to seed so kūmarahou can keep spreading. The blooms feed insects, the leaves keep the bush strong. As kaitiaki (guardians) it’s our responsibility to protect nature and offer her a helping hand, not a destructive one.

I hold the understanding that the intention we carry when harvesting and the presence we cultivate while foraging influences the very nature of our medicine and our food. Offer gratitude, whether it’s a thought, a breath, or a karakia. Respect feeds the medicine.

To prepare:
1. Gather a mix of flowers and leaves.
2. Rinse gently in cold water.
3. Steep in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
4. Drink slowly, let the bitterness and sweetness work together, and feel your lungs expand.

Kūmarahou is medicine.