Pae Tata, Pae Tawhiti

He Tohu Te Mauri: The application of Pae Tata, Pae Tawhiti in trauma informed care.

Trauma significantly influences the lives of Māori, shaping both immediate daily experiences and long-term wellbeing. This enduring impact is evident in the disproportionate representation of Māori in national and international statistics relating to poverty, health disparities, mental health conditions, substance dependency, incarceration, and suicide. Crucially, the conceptualisation and understanding of trauma directly informs its recognition, assessment, and effective management. 

This advanced workshop, designed specifically for Māori clinicians who have completed the initial Pae Tata Pae Tawhiti training, provides specialised training to deepen trauma-informed practice from a Māori worldview. Facilitated by experienced, registered Māori Clinical Psychologists, the programme introduces two innovative frameworks developed to enhance clinical practice and outcomes for whānau Māori. 

Firstly, participants will explore the Au-Intergenerational Trauma Scale (Au-ITS), an innovative tool enabling practitioners to systematically identify, discuss, and address intergenerational trauma within whānau contexts. Secondly, the TOHU framework will be introduced, empowering tāngata whaiora to recognise personal and environmental indicators (tohu) of trauma (patu ngākau) or wellbeing, emphasising their intrinsic mana and expertise (mātanga) in navigating their healing journeys. 

The Pae Tata Pae Tawhiti framework, co-developed by two lead Māori practitioners in 2022, will then integrate these concepts into tangible, practice-based steps and tools. This holistic, culturally anchored framework facilitates meaningful engagement and healing processes for whānau Māori impacted by intergenerational trauma, firmly grounded in tikanga and mātauranga Māori. 

What you will learn 

• Māori conceptualisations of Trauma and Intergenerational Trauma 
• Māori frameworks for understanding emotional expression and the experience of trauma 
• A model of intergenerational trauma 
• An Indigenous approach to understanding and assessing trauma: The ‘Au’ Intergenerational Trauma Scale (Au-ITS) 
• An Indigenous approach to trauma-informed care: The TOHU Framework 
• Indigenous principles of trauma-informed care 
• Pae Tata Pae Tawhiti: A framework for identifying, discussing and responding to trauma guided by Māori principles 

Desired Learning Outcomes 

To increase knowledge and understanding of Māori approaches to understanding and responding to trauma; and practical tools to facilitate wānanga, reflection and planning towards safety and wellbeing. 

Pre-Requisites 

Working in the context of intergenerational trauma requires the utmost care for whānau Māori. We therefore reserve the right to be highly selective regarding access to the Au-ITS tool and associated mātauranga. The following criteria serve as our initial prerequisites: 

1. Identify as Māori and provide iwi affiliations, or have an endorsement from a Māori organisation and receive appropriate cultural supervision. 
2. Be connected to, working in, or endorsed by a kaupapa Māori organisation or be employed within an organisation with a kaupapa Māori team, Māori colleagues, and whaiora. 
3. Completion of Level 1 Pae Tata, Pae Tawhiti training 
4. Qualified to practise within a scope that includes an associated code of ethics and active clinical supervision (with organisational support systems to manage risk). 
5. Others may participate at our discretion. For example, non-Māori individuals working in kaupapa Māori organisations who demonstrate commitment to the TAWHITI principles, receive cultural supervision, and have managerial endorsement from a Māori community organisation. 

An interview with Te Rau Ora staff and/or provision of a letter of support may be required. 

Time Commitment and Requirements 

• Total Time Required: 16 hours 
• Pre-wānanga reading and tasks 
• Full-day in-person wānanga 
• Post-wānanga follow up tasks to promote ongoing learning and skills application 

For more information 

Paetatapaetawhiti@terauora.com