Kaitoko Whānau in Tūrangi

Te Puni Kōkiri funds 50 Kaitoko Whānau advocates with most commencing their mahi early in 2010. Forty-one providers have been contracted in 39 high needs areas in a four-year pilot to test the approach as a model for improving whānau resilience. The aim is to provide support and advocacy for whānau, and assist them to access the resources and services they are entitled to. Tūwharetoa Charitable Health Trust, based in Taupō, is one of those providers. Their kaimahi, Maria Hoko, shares the story of one of the whānau she works with. To protect the Whānau privacy, fictitious names have been used.

Maria Hoko has been a Kaitoko Whānau advocate for a while now. She began working with brother and sister Tāne (35) and Ana (38) at the end of last year. Ana had just found out that probation considered her home unfit for her brother after prison because her children could be at risk.

Up until meeting Maria, the brother and sister had spent a lifetime relying on each other. Ana has “seen” him through 12 lags and described how it’s always difficult going to court without their late mum and dad. There was a total feeling of sadness and being lost.

After a long-term conviction in November 2008, Tāne was transferred to Rangipō Prison, with a goal for release by October 2012. Ana kept visiting her brother so he knew they were there.

The probation home assessment last November claimed her home was “unsuitable” implying her children could be at risk with their uncle. Ana took action.

Maria said when she was asked for help; calming the storm and talking Ana “down” was pretty much the immediate task. Maria explains how she often brainstorms with whānau to share and reflect on what their needs and concerns are and how to deal with them.

“It was important to get Ana to refocus and prepare for a whānau hui with probation the next morning.”

“We started “our” whānau safety plan, and Ana’s frustration would resurface – ‘the kids would never be at risk with their uncle’ she would say. I had to explain to Ana that we needed to convince probation and the Parole Board, so, after lots of coffee and biscuits the plan was completed and presented at the whānau hui with probation the following day. The hui went well, we were paddling the same waka and heading toward the same destination.”

Tāne’s first board hearing was in January this year. The Board sought, and received, confirmation and assurance that Kaitoko Whānau would provide continued assistance for Tāne and his whānau. The hearing took place without incident or mention of his sister’s home being unsuitable.

Maria’s weekly prison and home visits are now a normal routine for Tāne and the whānau. A Whānau Ora Wrap around Support Plan became a common “household” phrase in the weeks that led up to the next Parole Board. It paid off.

At his next appearance before the Board in April, the Wrap around Support Plan was well received and Tāne was notified he would be released. His sentence is being completed under home detention conditions.

Maria says Tāne now has his “eyes on the prize – his whānau and home.”

“He’s back with his sister and wants to finish his conditions – counselling, and one more Parole Board hearing to get the electronics off his ankle,” she says.

Plans for the future involve looking at options for his “passion for farming. There’s a local iwi training provider here and also cadetships available. So there are options that he might like.”

With Kaitoko Whānau support, Tāne’s priorities are clear. He’s also much wiser and knows if he goes off track: the consequence is prison.