Te Huarahi Ngaatahi – Connecting Pathways

Prototype Overview

This prototype explores what it takes to enable positive, sustainable outcomes for whaanau at risk of statutory intervention. It highlights system change opportunities that support a more whaanau-led, collaborative way of working.

Key elements of this approach:

  • Joint practice between Clinical Nurse Specialists and Social Workers

  • NGO as the primary relationship holder with whaanau

  • Relational continuity beyond immediate safety concerns

  • A holistic health approach as an alternative to Gateway

  • No KPIs – outcomes focused on whaanau reality

Critical enablers:

  • Investing time to build relationships first

  • Whaanau-led practice at every stage

  • Continuity of support that carries beyond the crisis point

  • Collaboration between the Te Huarahi Ngaatahi team and wider services

“Pushing my kids into the future to make it better for them... once they have succeeded, I will enjoy the journey with them.”
— Te Huarahi Ngaatahi Maamaa

Key Learnings

  • Outcomes improve when support is grounded in relational trust and cultural strength

  • A non-clinical, low-barrier entry point to wraparound support enables early response

  • Holistic approaches to health allow early intervention before formal assessments like Gateway

  • Being whaanau-led requires systems that are responsive, not prescriptive

System Change Examples & Opportunities

  • Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau created a senior Clinical Nurse role to reduce reliance on Gateway and directly support tamariki at risk.

  • A Clinical Nurse Specialist role was embedded in the youth residence space to support tamariki entering care.

  • The Gateway Review (led by Oranga Tamariki, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education) is considering insights from this prototype to reshape how tamariki needs are identified and met.

  • Learnings inform cross-agency implementation aligned with new Government Targets, particularly in tamariki and whaanau wellbeing.

Opportunities include rethinking:

  • Capability – strength-based, trauma-informed practice

  • Contracting & Policy – low caseloads, no KPIs

  • Partnerships – open communication and support networks

  • Practice – whaanau timelines, Aroha, Tika, Pono

Te Huarahi Ngaatahi – Connecting Pathways