PĀNUI
NEWS
Service Spotlight: Whakahohoro Te Hau
(MENTAL HEALTH UPDATE)
04 / 03 / 2025
When whānau are in crisis, the last thing they need is a complicated system standing in the way of support. Whakahohoro Te Hau exists to make sure that doesn’t happen. It’s a dedicated service focused on helping individuals and their whānau navigate mental health challenges, providing the right support at the right time.

HE WAKA EKE NOA!
With a team made up of clinical, community, and cultural kaimahi, Whakahohoro Te Hau takes a holistic approach - acknowledging that well-being isn’t just about mental health, but also physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
Whether someone needs immediate crisis support, a safe space to kōrero, or help finding the right long-term plan, the goal is always the same: to ensure whānau are supported, heard, and connected.
A big part of this mahi is breaking down barriers. Accessing mental health services can sometimes feel overwhelming, and many don’t know where to start. Whakahohoro Te Hau works to remove those obstacles, offering practical support, guidance, and a whānau-centered approach that makes the process easier.
Whānau Kaimahi Renee Willis has seen firsthand the impact this has had:
"The big change we’ve noticed is that most of our whaiora are engaging in other services around the organisation, including open groups. That’s had a huge impact on their access to support—so if someone needs help later on, they already know the process and feel comfortable reaching out again."
At its core, Whakahohoro Te Hau is about whakawhanaungatanga - building relationships, strengthening connections, and ensuring no one has to navigate mental health struggles alone. No matter what challenges a person is facing, this service is here to help, listen, and walk alongside them on their journey to well-being.