Login
Te Huringa ō Te Ao
On this Page:
Te Huringa ō Te Ao Community stories
Te Huringa ō Te Ao support the stories and the work providers are doing to support tāne and their whānau on their healing journey in stopping violence.
From small steps to big shifts, these stories show how providers are creating change so whānau and communities are violence-free.
We work with local providers to support tāne and men to make lasting behaviour change. This creates safer communities where whānau can live free from violence.
Guided by whānau voice, services build on the strengths of each community and respond to holistic needs to restore whānau wellbeing.
Providers across New Zealand walk alongside tāne and men to help them:
- heal and reconnect with whānau and community
- build healthy, safe relationships
- take ownership of their behaviour and keep others safe.
Supporting lasting behaviour change
Te Huringa ō Te Ao takes a new approach, moving away from short-term, one-size-fits-all programmes. The goal is better outcomes for tāne, whānau and future generations.
Services are flexible, proactive, whānau-centred and culturally responsive. They keep men accountable for their behaviour, while supporting growth and change.
We work together with local providers to test, learn and improve. This helps us understand what works, and why.
Together, we aim to think differently to break cycles of violence, and to create and sustain intergenerational change.
“Not one size fits all, all men are different. Some talk, some don't.” – Male research participant
A turning point for transformation
The name Te Huringa ō Te Ao was gifted to this kaupapa by E Tū Whānau. Te Huringa ō Te Ao represents the limitless potential for change and transformation. It reflects the moments when tāne and men choose a path where change becomes possible.
With time, care and aroha, powerful things happen. Relationships can heal. Homes can become safer. Children can thrive in loving, stable environments.
This kaupapa is part of a wider vision where everyone in Aotearoa can thrive, free from violence.
How it was developed
The framework and approach for Te Huringa ō Te Ao was developed through:
- research with tāne and men who use violence
- literature review on what works in New Zealand and overseas
- engagement with the family violence sector
- lessons learned from other MSD-funded services
- community kōrero and roadshows across New Zealand.
This feedback showed the need for services that are flexible, long-term, and locally-led.
Providers now have long-term contracts, up to 9.5 years.
Funding is based on the number of kaimahi (staff) to deliver the service. This flexibility gives providers time and support to design, test, and grow services that work.
Find out more about how Te Huringa ō Te Ao was developed.
“It’s like I'm sitting in the bath. And I've got all these taps, they're all on at the same time. I don't know which problem to fix first. What tap do I turn off?”
– Male research participant
Te Huringa ō Te Ao framework and aspirations
Te Huringa ō Te Ao invests in locally-led services for tāne and men ready to take responsibility for violence and make positive change. These services support men to live violence-free.
The principles underpinning Te Huringa ō Te Ao are aligned to the Family Violence Capability Frameworks. These have been developed by The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention.