Whare Tukutuku and Te Rau Ora are excited to share Te Aka Mātua – Basic Drug Information for Mātua and Concerned Whānau.  The booklet and video have been designed with Mātua, Taua, Poua, Kuia, and Koro in mind, to awhi whānau understanding of basic drugs.

Te Aka Mātua refers to the parent vine that Tāwhaki used to climb up to the heavens on the guidance of his kuia, Whaitiri, in order to obtain the three baskets of knowledge. This pūrākau is a whakatūpato to listen to the stories of old, which provide wisdom and guidance for the future. Using this kōrero, the pukapuka and video encourages whānau katoa to kōrero calmly about alcohol and other drugs and where to reach out for support when whānau need it. Reminder – always call 111 in an emergency.

Te Aka Mātua includes information about:

• Different types of drugs and drug use, and their effects
• The impacts that drugs can have on whānau, friends, and hapori
• How whānau can support their loved ones and what to do if help is needed.

Whare Tukutuku and Te Rau Ora hope that whānau Māori find this small kete of knowledge helpful to have positive conversations.

Kia kaha whānau – click here for Te Aka Mātua. If you would like any further information, please reach out to wharetukutuku@terauora.com