Tūturu

15/08/2025

Did you know nearly half of young people aged 16–24 in Aotearoa have gambled in the past year? Many rangatahi are exposed to gambling-like features in online games, often without realising the risks.

Tūturu works with schools to promote critical thinking skills and support students to stay well. Last month, in collaboration with PGF Services, we launched new resources for educators to address gaming and gambling harm with young people.

The package includes:
• Classroom-ready curriculum resources
• Professional development, including an e-learning unit for school staff
• Tools to help schools include gaming and gambling in wellbeing planning

These free materials are designed for teachers, heads of departments, pastoral care staff, school leaders and school boards – anyone working at secondary schools with young people.

Check them out now: tuturu.org.nz/toolkit/gambling

22/05/2025

We love seeing this kind of feedback!

In their latest newsletter, Albany Junior High School Principal | Tumuaki, Cushla Shepherd, shared some kind words about the impact Tūturu is having at her school:

"As we continue to prioritise the wellbeing of our ākonga and the strength of our school culture, I’m delighted to introduce two important members of our extended learning community, Chas and Corey, who are working with us through the Tūturu initiative.
Tūturu is a uniquely Aotearoa programme that supports student wellbeing by bringing together schools and health services to help students learn, maintain their wellbeing, and be equipped for the demands of the modern world.

Chas and Corey have been working alongside our staff, leadership team, Māori and Pasifika ākonga|students providing invaluable professional learning in areas including cultural capability, tikanga Māori, mentoring, restorative relationships, and embedding whanaungatanga. Their expertise and authentic approach are already having a positive impact on our practices and our shared commitment to an inclusive, respectful learning environment. We are deeply grateful for the growing relationship and guidance we are receiving from these educational leaders. It’s a privilege to work alongside them and their amazing organisation in our journey to build a stronger, more connected school community."

Thanks for the kind words, Cushla! And to Chas and Corey for the great mahi!

03/04/2025

Bridging the gap between health and education in Dunedin

On 18 March, our Tūturu team in Ōtepoti Dunedin hosted a Whole School Approach Hui, bringing together schools and youth agencies to explore how education and health can work together to support rangatahi.

When schools and health professionals collaborate, young people thrive. Read more about the event and the key takeaways:

On Tuesday 18 March, our Tūturu team in Ōtepoti Dunedin hosted a Whole School Approach Day Hui for secondary schools and youth agencies.

10/02/2025

Kia ora koutou!

From today, you'll need to create a free account to access most Tūturu resources on our website.

We’re always interested in how people are engaging with our resources. This change will give us a deeper understanding of how they’re used and may help shape future resource development. It also allows us to offer optional follow-up opportunities, such as surveys, to refine our resources and strengthen connections with those using Tūturu, wherever they are.

Creating an account is quick and easy—just answer a couple of simple questions. Once logged in, you can also save your favourite resources for future use.

Create your account now: https://tuturu.org.nz/register

19/12/2024

2024 was a massive year for Tūturu.

We've been busy supporting rangatahi across Aotearoa. Check out our post to learn more about all the awesome mahi we did this year:

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on another massive year for Tūturu. First up, thanks to all school staff, health providers, and students involved with Tūturu. Your knowledge, participation, and passion make our work possible!

18/12/2024

For the past year, Tūturu and the Problem Gambling Foundation have been working together to address the growing issue of youth gambling.

This morning, Andrée Froude from PGF joined RNZ's Morning Report to discuss the growing concern related with youth gambling. She highlighted the blurred lines between gaming and gambling, particularly with loot boxes, and outlined the collaborative efforts with Tūturu to address this issue.

Check out that interview here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018968864/programme-aims-to-save-students-from-problem-gambling

16/12/2024

We've just put out a press release about our collaboration with the Problem Gambling Foundation to address the growing issue of youth gambling in Aotearoa.

Together, we're developing resources to support secondary school students to make informed choices about gambling and related activities.

Check out our full press release: https://mailchi.mp/drugfoundation/new-programme-to-help-protect-youth-exposed-to-gambling-hidden-in-online-gaming

03/12/2024

As part of its annual review, one of our Tāmaki Makaurau health provider partners, Odyssey Trust, created a short film showcasing the fantastic work being done by its two Tūturu staff, Corey and Dallas.

Check out the video below to learn more about how we're supporting students and schools.

We catch up with Corey Tau (Tūturu Lead) and Dallas Tagaloasa (Tūturu Facilitator - Pacific Focus) to learn about the Tūturu service that Odyssey delivers in...

01/09/2024

This Gambling Harm Awareness Week (2-8 September 2024), Tūturu is highlighting the impact of gambling on young people.

We've partnered with the New Zealand Council for Educational Research - NZCER to explore how schools can better address youth gambling.

The report, titled "Under the Radar: A Rapid Review of Recent Literature About Youth Problem Gambling," highlights the need for culturally responsive, innovative approaches to equip young people with the skills to navigate a world filled with gambling influences.

Read the report and learn more about what we're doing in this space: https://tuturu.org.nz/stories/what-tuturu-is-learning-about-youth-gambling-this-gambling-harm-awareness-week

27/08/2024

Providing you with valuable information, tips, and practical advice for engaging with your young people around alcohol and other drugs.

30/07/2024

Did you know Tūturu has free e-learning units available designed for teachers, deans and pastoral staff at secondary schools? See Tuturu.org.nz/e-learning

The units take between 20-30 minutes to complete and aim to help you learn skills and support your students' wellbeing.

Our current offerings include:

* AoD101: Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drugs – Learn how to discuss these topics with confidence.
* Conversations for Change – Master motivational interviewing techniques to engage young people.
* Supporting Young People Through Conversation – Understand and address long-term strain and substance use.

Check them out today!

25/03/2024

How can schools better approach their students' wellbeing? Our latest article looks at the results of a survey of New Zealand secondary school principals which showed they ranked student mental health and wellbeing as the top issue they were dealing with at their schools.

Check out out the article below:

Explore the pressing concern of student mental health in secondary schools and discover actionable insights from a nationwide survey of school principals in Aotearoa. Learn how schools can better support students' wellbeing amidst increasing challenges, including holistic approaches and collaborativ...