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 - strengthening the collective response to family harm through a te ao Māori lens.
The SAM table is a vital 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.
By bringing Hoani Waititi Marae into this space, a long‑identified gap has been filled. The inclusion of the marae enables agencies to better tap into a trusted community ecosystem.
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. The strength of the relationship is also evident in the way new staff are welcomed to the district through mihi whakatau at the marae.
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.”
The partnership reflects the strength of the Whāngaia Ngā Pā Harakeke model, built on collaboration, shared responsibility and a collective commitment to reducing harm, supporting whānau and strengthening communities.