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Tikanga-based Healing Group for Māori Wāhine Survivors of Sexual Violence

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Mana Ahu Ake is a kaupapa Māori, tikanga-led therapeutic group programme for Māori wāhine who have experienced sexual violence. This wānanga-style group offers an embodied, relational pathway for healing that honours wairua, tinana, hinengaro, and whanaungatanga.

In Ōtākou / Otago there are limited group programmes that support trauma recovery through Māori worldviews. Mana Ahu Ake responds to this gap by providing a culturally congruent, collective healing space where trauma can be met with tikanga, safety, and care.

 

He aha te tikanga o Mana Ahu Ake?

Mana — dignity, authority, inherent worth
Ahu ake — to rise, to grow, to develop

Together, Mana Ahu Ake speaks to restoring and strengthening mana through grounded tikanga, relationship, and supported change.

 

Who this programme is for

Mana Ahu Ake is for Māori wāhine (18+) who:

• have experienced sexual violence

• live with trauma impacts such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, shame, or disconnection

• are stable enough to participate in a group process

• have individual therapeutic support in place (or are able to establish this)

• can commit to attending the full programme

• are willing to engage in a tikanga-based healing space

You are never required to share more than feels safe. Participation is invitational and paced.

 

What makes Mana Ahu Ake different

Mana Ahu Ake intentionally integrates kaupapa Māori and trauma-informed practice through:

• Tikanga and kawa to create predictable, held structure

• Mahi ā-wairua (karakia, ritual, transitions) supporting movement from tapu to noa

• Raranga (weaving) as a therapeutic process for integration and identity restoration

• Waiata and kapa haka for co-regulation, rhythm, breath, and voice reclamation

• Psychodrama and experiential role work to re-author identity, boundaries, and choice

• Creative and embodied methods that support healing without forcing retelling

 

What participants often gain

Participants are supported to:

• reduce trauma symptoms and dysregulation

• increase felt safety in body and relationships

• strengthen mana motuhake and voice

• develop boundaries and self-advocacy

• reconnect with whakapapa, wairua, and cultural identity

• improve sleep, daily functioning, and social participation

 

Programme format

Total hours: 32 hours
Delivery: 4 days × 8 hours (wānanga-style)
Group size: maximum 14 participants

Exact dates, venue, and cost are shared via the registration link or by enquiry.

 

A typical day

Each day follows a steady rhythm that supports safety and integration:

1. Whakatau & waiata – arrival, settling, connection

2. Tinana / breath regulation – grounding, nervous-system support

3. Kaupapa mahi – experiential, psychodrama, and creative processes

4. Raranga integration – weaving / creative response to support consolidation

5. Whakakapi & kai – closing, reflection, transition back to everyday life

A brief closing safety process is included each day to support regulation and aftercare.

 

Safety, confidentiality, and tikanga

Mana Ahu Ake is held within clear group agreements to protect participants and the integrity of the kaupapa, including:

• confidentiality and privacy

• respectful tikanga-based engagement

• pacing and choice (no forced disclosure)

• facilitator responsibility for emotional and physical safety

• support planning for between-session care

 

Not suitable if…

Mana Ahu Ake may not be appropriate at this time if you are experiencing:

• active psychosis or unmanaged bipolar episode

• acute suicidality or imminent risk to self/others

• substance use that prevents safe participation

• ongoing violent behaviour

• inability to maintain confidentiality or group safety

If you’re unsure, we can talk with you and help you find the safest next step.

 

Referrals (for therapists and services)

We welcome referrals from ACC and community providers.

To refer someone, please include:

• brief presenting impacts (e.g., PTSD/anxiety/depression related to sexual violence)

• current supports and risk considerations

• any cultural or safety needs

• confirmation that the client can commit to the full programme

We offer a short pre-group kōrero to confirm suitability and support planning.

 

FAQs 

Do I have to talk about what happened?
No. You will never be forced to share details. The programme supports healing through choice, pacing, and embodied processes.

What should I bring?
We’ll send a simple list before the programme (comfortable clothing, water bottle, any personal support items, etc.).

Is this ACC-funded?
If you are with ACC Sensitive Claims, talk with your lead provider/therapist. We can provide information to support referral pathways.

 

Register or enquire

Ready to find out more?
Use the links below:​

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Mana Ahu Ake is a collective, tikanga-led pathway — restoring mana through connection, embodiment, and wairua.