TŪ TAUTOKO AROPĀ

Te Awhi: Championing Lived Experience and Empowerment

Position Overview

The Tū Tautoko Aropā plays a pivotal role in Te Awhi, bringing the wisdom of lived experience to guide, support, and empower others on their unique journeys. As a trusted leader, the Tū Tautoko Aropā fosters an environment where Tū Whānau feel heard, understood, and inspired to realise their potential. Rooted in kaupapa Māori values and practices, the Tū Tautoko Aropā models authenticity, resilience, and partnership, weaving cultural competence with practical support.

Key Relationships

Tū Whānau (people supported by Te Awhi)

Peer Leadership Team

Tū Whānau Council

Tū Arahi ( Team Leaders)

Tū Arataki (Senior Leaders )

Cultural Advisor

External partners, community organisations, and whānau

Key Responsibilities

• Provide peer-based support, mentoring, and advocacy grounded in lived experience and cultural values.
• Champion the practices of Enabling Good Lives—promoting voice, choice, and self-determination for all whānau.
• Model authenticity, hope, and resilience, drawing on personal experiences to inspire and empower others.
• Facilitate peer groups, workshops, and community hui to share knowledge and foster learning.
• Collaborate with leadership and service teams to co-design, implement, and evaluate programmes that reflect the needs and aspirations of whānau.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with individuals, whānau, and the broader community.
• Support Tu Whānau to develop their good life goals
• Guide Tu Awhina to support and facilitate Tu Whānau to attain their life goals
• Champion cultural safety and uphold the values of Manaakitanga (care), Whanaungatanga (relationship), and Kaitiakitanga (stewardship).
• Advocate for positive change, challenging stigma and promoting inclusive, strength-based practice.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of peer-led initiatives and resources, including digital platforms.Uphold confidentiality and act as a guardian of trust within the community.

Competency Profile

Manaakitanga (Care and Respect): Demonstrates genuine care, support, and respect for all, fostering inclusivity and dignity.

Whanaungatanga (Relationship Building): Builds meaningful and empathetic relationships, promoting a sense of belonging and community.

Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship and Responsibility): Acts with integrity and accountability, safeguarding people's stories and upholding cultural protocols.

Mātauranga (Knowledge and Expertise): Shares personal insights and knowledge gained through lived experience, committed to ongoing learning and development.

Communication and Influence: Communicates openly and clearly, able to share stories powerfully and advocate for others' needs.

Adaptability and Initiative: Remains flexible and resourceful in responding to challenges, supporting creative solutions and positive change.

Cultural Competence: Embodies Māori values, engages with te reo and tikanga, and ensures cultural safety in all interactions.

Key Performance Indicators

Positive feedback from whānau and the peer leadership team on support and engagement.

Successful facilitation of peer groups, hui, and workshops.

Effective advocacy for whānau voice, choice, and control.

Contribution to the growth and impact of peer-led initiatives and digital resources.

Demonstrated growth in cultural competence and application of kaupapa Māori values.

Active participation in continuous learning, reflective practice, and organisational development.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

Lived experience of overcoming mental Health or addiction challenges, systemic challenges, and a willingness to share these experiences to help others.

Experience in peer support, advocacy, or community engagement preferred.

Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development, including learning te reo Māori and deepening understanding of tikanga.

Understanding and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within Te Awhi.

Basic proficiency with digital tools and enthusiasm for contributing to peer-driven resources.

Personal Attributes

Acts with honesty, humility, and compassion.

Demonstrates optimism, resilience, and determination.

Values community, lifelong learning, and shared leadership.

Engages with others empathetically, always upholding mana and fostering hope.

The road less travelled in mental health and addiction recovery is a journey defined by courage, vulnerability, and the determination to transform personal adversity. As a Tu Tautoko Aropā at Te Awhi, your lived experience in overcoming these challenges sets you apart, providing a perspective that is both genuine and deeply empathetic.

While many may choose to keep their struggles hidden, those who walk the road less travelled—embracing openness and support—become guiding lights for others still searching for their way.

This form of leadership fosters whanaungatanga—a profound sense of connection and kinship—within the community, inspiring others to seek support and believe in their own capacity to effect change.

You are uniquely positioned to empower others through your actions and example. Sharing your journey with honesty, humility, and compassion fosters an environment where mana is upheld and hope is nurtured.

Ultimately, choosing the road less travelled and embracing peer leadership means committing to others while continuing your own journey, which is a profound act of service that sparks positive change, strengthens community bonds, and transforms adversity into opportunities for healing and unity.