Our Takiwātanga Wānanga for professionals is a dedicated space for those working alongside tamariki whaitakiwātanga and their whānau.
Grounded in Te Ao Māori values, this wānanga offers professionals the opportunity to deepen their understanding of takiwātanga (autism) through a culturally responsive, strengths-based lens. Together, we will explore ways to support tamariki and whānau in ways that honour their mana, uphold tikanga, and strengthen authentic relationships.
Through kōrero, reflection, and practical workshops, professionals will leave with greater cultural insight, practical strategies, and a renewed commitment to working alongside whānau in empowering and respectful ways.
This wānanga is ideal for those in education, health, social services, early childhood, and community roles who are passionate about creating inclusive and affirming environments for our taonga.
Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi — with your contribution and mine, our people will thrive.
What is the wānanga about?
The Takiwātanga Wānanga for Professionals is about creating a culturally safe, strengths-based learning environment for those working alongside tamariki whaitakiwātanga (autistic children) and their whānau.
This wānanga is an opportunity to deepen understanding of takiwātanga through a Te Ao Māori lens, while strengthening professional practice in ways that uphold the mana of tamariki and whānau. Through shared kōrero, practical workshops, and whakawhanaungatanga, we will explore approaches that are culturally responsive, inclusive, and empowering.
What can I gain from participating in the wānanga?
Our hope is that professionals leave the wānanga feeling equipped with greater cultural knowledge, practical strategies, and a renewed commitment to working alongside tamariki and whānau in a way that challenges negative stigma and promotes mana motuhake (self-determination).
Participants will gain insights into how to create more inclusive spaces, build stronger relationships with whānau, and actively contribute to a community where neurodiversity is valued and celebrated.
Who is running the wānanga?
Kanorau Consultancy will be facilitating the wānanga. Kanorau are a whānau-led organisation with lived experience of raising a tamaiti with takiwātanga, and they specialise in supporting both whānau and professionals to navigate this journey with aroha, understanding, and cultural integrity.
Who can attend the wānanga?
This wānanga is open to professionals across health, education, social services, early childhood, and community sectors who support or work alongside tamariki whaitakiwātanga and their whānau.
Whether you are new to this space or looking to deepen your practice, all who are committed to culturally safe, strengths-based approaches are warmly welcomed.
What will happen after the wānanga?
Professionals will leave with practical tools, deeper cultural competence, and strengthened knowledge to enhance the way they support tamariki and whānau in everyday practice.
You’ll also have access to resources, opportunities for ongoing professional connection, and clear pathways for continued learning. Our hope is that you leave feeling empowered to create real change within your mahi and your communities.
I have some questions about the wānanga, who can I contact?
If you have any pātai please feel free to contact:
Jess Hita (Kanorau) - 02102331035
Shonee Cooper (Te Puna Kaiwhakahaere- Manager) - 027 555 0299
To ensure the wānanga meets the needs of participants, careful planning goes into designing the kaupapa and content. Please register your interest below to attend the Kanorau Takiwātanga Professionals’ Wānanga in Rangitīkei.