Kaupapa Māori solutions test brings korowai of support to Tāmaki Makaurau

A group photo featuring the design panel members of Haerenga Motuhake.

In our continuous efforts to prevent injury and improve access, experience and outcomes for Māori, we’re proud to be progressing our newest kaupapa Māori design to support whānau in Tāmaki Makaurau.


Since 2023, we’ve been partnering with a panel of kaupapa Māori specialists in Tāmaki Makaurau rohe (Auckland region) to design culturally grounded options for whānau who’ve experienced complex injuries, including sexual violence. 

From 3 February 2025, the suite of services – called Haerenga Motuhake – will enter a 12-month ‘test and learn’ phase with whānau in the rohe. This will provide support to whānau and prevent and reduce harm from sexual violence. 

Haerenga Motuhake is a solution that respects the mana and independence of kiritaki (clients) and their whānau. It focuses on their overall oranga (wellbeing) in a way they determine. The name ‘Haerenga Motuhake’ means ‘self-determined journey’ and reflects the idea that whānau should have control over their oranga. 

“Haerenga Motuhake is a journey that uplifts and supports kiritaki and whānau,” explains design panel member Whaea Rangi Pouwhare.

“Picture a korowai (cloak) woven with three whenu (strands): one to support whānau impacted by sexual violence, another for those affected by serious injury, and a third to strengthen the prevention of harm.

“The testing phase for the first two whenu – sexual violence support and harm prevention – marks an important and meaningful milestone for all of us to acknowledge and celebrate,” she says. 

Haerenga Motuhake is the second regionally designed kaupapa Māori solution to be tested as part of ACC’s commitment to meeting the needs of whānau. 

“We're proud to have partnered with the panel to deliver this kaupapa,” says Eldon Paea, Head of Māori Health Services at ACC. 

“Through mahi tahi (working together), we’ve been able to design approaches that will meet local need and better support whānau in recovery and prevention of injury.”  

South Auckland-based panel members and kaupapa Māori service providers, Te Ahi Kaa, will be supporting whānau through the 12-month test. 

Haerenga Motuhake is a journey that uplifts and supports kiritaki and whānau.
- Whaea Rangi Pouwhare, design panel member

What’s being tested 

Within Haerenga Motuhake sits Mana Tū Mana Ora – a prevention initiative designed for Tāmaki Makaurau to address the causes or drivers of violence.

It prioritises rangatahi Māori (Māori youth) and provides an opportunity for them to discover and discuss mana-enhancing and tapu-enriched relationships in wānanga (workshop) format.

Iwi healthcare provider Te Hā Oranga is supporting Te Ahi Kaa in running these wānanga.  

Mana Tū Mana Ora is designed to operate as a standalone option for whānau, as well as interface smoothly with the hauora (health) pathway within Haerenga Motuhake, where required.  

“If, through their Mana Tū Mana Ora experience, whānau decide they want further support, we will help them to enter the interconnected hauora pathway,” says Danielle Oakes, Pou Ārahi (CEO) of Te Ahi Kaa.

The hauora pathway offers non-clinical, holistic services for pakeke (adults) and whānau with complex injuries.

It includes culturally grounded services that respect the importance and independence of whānau and their haerenga (journey) to mauri tau (harmony and balance). It aims to deliver healing and improve outcomes from the outset, recognising the mana and mana motuhake of whānau, placing their holistic needs at the forefront. 

Whānau don’t need an ACC claim to access these services. However, those who want to make an ACC claim will be offered support with the process. Whānau can continue to access support from Haerenga Motuhake in addition to ACC’s Sensitive Claims Service.  

Through mahi tahi (working together), we’ve been able to design approaches that will better support whānau in recovery and prevention of injury.
- Eldon Paea, ACC Head of Māori Health Services

Learning from whānau 

Throughout the test, researcher Hector Kaiwai will gather insights into how the services are working for whānau.  

"Haerenga Motuhake takes a holistic perspective and embraces the power of whakapapa,” Hector says.

“I've learned that probably one of the most transformative things that can happen for our whānau is reconnecting them back with their whakapapa, reconnecting back to their marae." 

Learnings from the evaluation will be used to improve the service. In 2026, we expect testing to expand to include whānau who have experienced other complex injuries, including serious injuries. 

Design and engagement for kaupapa Māori solutions in other rohe is also progressing. If you would like to learn more about this programme of work, please visit the kaupapa Māori solutions section of our website.

Kaupapa Māori solutions

ACC would like to thank our panel partners for their commitment to this kaupapa: Rangi Pouwhare (Mana Ātea), Danielle Oakes (Te Ahi Kaa), Hector Kaiwai (Awa Associates), Charmaine Te Nana-Williams (What Ever It Takes), Mereaina Herangi (What Ever It Takes) and Martha Rogers (whānau-led designer).