Te Whare Oranga Ake
The house of continuing wellness
Te Whare Oranga Ake is a kaupapa Māori-based programme conducted in partnership with Kahungunu Health Services – Choices and Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) specifically targeting tāne serving prison-based sentences of more than two years and that whakapapa to Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Porou, although tāne from other regions are accepted dependent on vacancies.
Te Whare Oranga Ake is a twenty-four bed complex, catering for groups of up to four tāne in six self-contained units. The focus of the unit is primarily based on reintegration, self-management and creating an environment that reinforces the norms of society.
Programmes
The programme supports ngā tāne to develop a plan / pathway that will be safe, practical, offence-free and well-supported in their community of choice. The programme is diverse and covers an array of activities that prepare ngā tāne transitioning from prison to their home locations. All reintegration activities are encouraged to be conducted in the local community and where planned in the community the tāne will return to when released. Some activities include:
- Whanau reconnection
- Driving lessons / licencing (car, motorbike, truck)
- Opening a bank account and accessing online banking platforms
- Applying for photo identification
- AAC counselling
- Community supports are strengthened
- Obtaining a GP service
- Develop skills required to live a good life and resist reoffending
Next step
Want to know more? Contact their Case Manager / Probation Officer for further information.