Transforming Whanau Violence - Seminar on a Maori Framework for Family Violence Prevention

A virtual seminar, Mauri Ora in Action, is to be co-hosted by the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse and Amokura Violence Prevention Consortium.

The seminar, to be held on 1 October, will explore research and practice using the Mauri Ora framework – a kaupapa Maori strategy for addressing family violence in Maori families, and bringing about whanau wellbeing.

The Mauri Ora Maori conceptual framework was developed by a Maori Taskforce and outlined in the Te Puni Kokiri publication Transforming Whanau Violence: A Conceptual Framework (2004). This publication can be found here on the NZFVC website: http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/goodpracticedocument.aspx?doc=4

Amokura is an integrated community based initiative to address family violence in Taitokerau (Northland). The initiative is led by the Family Violence Prevention Consortium, which is made up of the Chief Executives of seven iwi authorities who have made a long term commitment to preventing whanau violence: Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa, Ngati Kahu, Whaingaroa, Ngapuhi, Ngati Whatua and Ngati Wai.

The seminar will include the following presentations:
• Di Grennell, Executive Director of the Amokura Family Violence Prevention Consortium will discuss Amokura and give an overview of the Mauri Ora Framework.
• Dr Leland Ruwhiu will look at dispelling the illusion that violence is normal, acceptable or culturally valid, and present the findings of his Mana Tane research which looked at positive Maori male identities.
• Di Grennell will then reflect on the Amokura journey, providing information from the evaluation of the implementation of Amokura.
• Moana Eruera will discuss practitioner applications and interactions within the context of transformative practice.

The seminar will take place using the video conferencing and data sharing facilities that link universities in Aotearoa New Zealand together. People around the country can participate in the seminar by going to their nearest access node (located in most universities and at the Family Centre, Lower Hutt).

For more information, and for rsvp details, go to http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/PublicationDetails.aspx?publication=14114