Te Rau Ora Alumni Roopu
Ngā Manu Tāiko o te Ora is a newly established alumni roopu for recipients of Te Rau Ora scholarships, which have been offered for over 15 years and have been delivered through Whare Tukutuku since 2023 – the National Māori Addiction Centre operating under the korowai of Te Rau Ora.
These scholarships support individuals who are studying towards, or currently working within, the Māori Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) and broader health sector. For over 15 years, Te Rau Ora – known as Te Rau Matatini until 2019 – have been committed to growing and strengthening the Mental Health and Addiction workforce. This has been achieved through a range of initiatives, including Hoe Tahi Addiction Scholarships, Hoe Rua Work-Based Placements and Māori Health Leadership Scholarships. These programmes have been instrumental in supporting the development of a culturally capable workforce to better respond to the communities they work in.
The establishment of Ngā Manu Tāiko o te Ora represents a collective identity for alumni, acknowledging the shared journey and leadership fostered through these scholarship pathways. The roopu provides a space for connection, recognition, and ongoing contribution to the AOD sector and wider whānau ora.
About the Tohu
Ngā Manu Tāiko o te Ora translates to “The Guardians of Wellbeing”. This name reflects the purpose of the alumni roopu: to foster connection, grow leadership and strengthen the collective hauora of kaimahi. It upholds the values of whakawhanaungatanga, tuakana-teina, and kotahitanga.
The logo features a stylised manu tāiko, symbolising protection, endurance, and guidance. The bird is formed by many feathers, each representing the diverse pathways and contributions within the AOD space – lived experience, education, community, and wellbeing. Together, these feathers embody the strength of the collective; individuals united as one roopu with a shared vision for change and healing.
This tohu, designed by Alan Tawhi-Amopiu, was gifted to Whare Tukutuku to acknowledge and celebrate the identity and aspirations of the alumni roopu.
