Te Ngāhere Intensive Treatment Programmes
Te Ngāhere Intensive Treatment Programmes at Spring Hill and Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facilities
Offered at Spring Hill and Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facilities, Te Ngāhere is a strengths-based programme that supports participants to work on their recovery capital, rebuilding connections to whānau, tikanga and their own cultural identity.
The programme echoes the four seasons, taking participants on a journey to reveal their connections and their mana. Participants are supported to consider what has been harmed or broken because of their addiction challenges, and how they might work to restore wellbeing.
Consistent with Hōkai Rangi, the new strategy for Ara Poutama Aotearoa – the Department of Corrections, Te Ngāhere seeks to humanise the prison experience, placing a strong emphasis on whānau connection and involvement.
The Te Ngāhere concept sits within Odyssey’s broader Māori Health Strategic Plan, which outlines our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, our commitment to working closely with mana whenua, and our commitment to affirm Māori models of healing.
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The eight-week Te Ngāhere programme is designed for tāngata whai ora (people seeking wellness) who are 18 years and over with sentences of two years or less, and who have moderate to high alcohol or other drug (AOD) treatment needs.
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Access to the programme is by referral via each participant’s Corrections case manager.
Once referred, if eligibility criteria are met, potential participants are contacted by Odyssey for an assessment. The assessment includes a review of AOD use, cognitive and other learning capacity, as well as motivation to engage in the programme.
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Te Ngāhere brings together evidenced-based western clinical models with traditional and contemporary Te Ao Māori approaches. At Spring Hill, we offer a Te Ngāhere Pasifika component and at Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility we offer a Te Ngāhere Wāhine programme.
Te Ngāhere is group-based, for 8 to 12 whai ora. Together, we work through a syllabus with a structured timetable. We start the day at 9:00am with karakia and waiata, and finish at 3:00pm, Monday to Friday.
The programme is strengths-based and incorporates psycho-educational elements, alongside reflection groups and cultural activities such as kapa haka. Whai ora are encouraged and supported to build connections to whānau, tikanga and their own cultural identity.
The programme is trauma informed and takes into consideration differing learning styles. Whai ora also participate in both group and individual homework.
Upon completion, whai ora are offered aftercare support for 6 to 12 months, while they remain in prison and also when they return to the community. This includes group and individual work, depending on identified needs. Support is also extended to whānau.
Let’s move forward together
If you you would like to speak to someone about our Te Ngāhere programmes, please call us on 09 638 4957 ext. 706
