A significant new partnership has been marked in West Auckland, with Hoani Waititi Marae now taking a seat at the local Safety Assessment Meeting (SAM) table in an effort to strengthen the collective response to family harm through a te ao Māori lens.
The SAM table is part of Whāngaia Ngā Pā Harakeke (WNPH), the multi‑agency initiative focused on ensuring families experiencing family harm receive timely, coordinated support from government agencies and local community services.
WNPH brings together core agencies to work closely in supporting victims, aggressors and their whānau. A key component of the model is the daily safety assessment meetings, where information from across sectors is shared to assess the risk of further harm and determine the most appropriate, coordinated response.
Hoani Waititi kaimahi were formally welcomed at a pōwhiri held at Henderson Police Station, marking the beginning of their role within the SAM process. The kaupapa of the day was clear: mahi tahi – working together.
Inspector Stefan McIntyre, Manager Community and Partnerships, described the move as “the last piece of the jigsaw”.
“This is a really important kaupapa, but it’s not something Police can do alone,” he said.
“Having Hoani Waititi at the table brings in a new whānau and strengthens an already strong partnership. Together, our focus is to uplift whānau and the wider community.”
The partnership builds on existing work between police in Waitematā and Hoani Waititi Marae, including Te Pae Oranga Iwi Community Panels, which have operated in partnership for several years.
For Hoani Waititi Marae, joining the SAM table is about ensuring their kaupapa and lived experience are directly reflected in decision‑making.
Jason Paahi, General Manager of Hoani Waititi Marae, said their kaimahi are joining the rōpū to bring a kaupapa grounded in reducing stress and enhancing wellbeing for whānau.
“For more than 45 years, Hoani Waititi Marae has been a second home for all cultures across West Auckland. Now, we’re bringing a piece of that into this space to help reduce the stress some of our whānau are experiencing,” he said.
“We provide a place where people can reconnect with who they are and where they belong. That sense of connection is powerful, and it is expertise we’re bringing to the table.”
