Cultural supervision

 

As described by Dr Mason Durie, (Who Created the Te Whare Tapa Wha wellbeing model). Cultural Supervision is: "The acquisition of skills to achieve a better understanding of members of other cultures" To achieve this there are some fundamental concepts that need to be taught and learned in order to achieve the understanding that is required for all parties concerned to reach the desired goal.  

 

Maori culture like many indigenous cultures is steeped in its traditions. For instance the karakia that we hear at the start and the ending of a hui. Specific waiata that are so cleverly used to embelish a korero or lift the mood at a gathering. The use of whakapapa to make those important connections and so on. The key ingredient in all of this is in gaining an understanding and an appreciation of Te Taha Wairua.

 

It's no wonder that in Dr Masons "Te Whare Tapa Wha". Te Taha Wairua is the most important part. It is what ties all four sides of the whare together. Without it the others are useless. So as a cultural supervisor I provide an opportunity for groups and iindividuals to explore the unique and truely marvelous character that is Te Taha Wairua. And I refer to the aphorism above: Teaching that stimulates the intellect but does not speak to the spirit cannot nourish.

 

The following is a list of the cultural supervision I have undertaken with The Department of Corrections in the East Coast District.

 

• Cummunity Probations East Coast District - Over a four year period I provided cultural supervision to service managers and probations staff from the three service centres that make up the Napier/Hastings/Flaxmere areas. I did this by way of monthly group supervision using methodologies and principles used in teaching tikanga and Te Reo Maori. Here are some of the areas of instruction that I used:

  • Karakia - Building an appreciation of karakia through its various forms.

  • Waiata - How waiata is used to enhance wisdom and knowledge as well as build relationships.

  • Whakapapa - the importance of whakapapa in building a strong identity

 

 

• Programs Facilitators East Coast District - Over a three year period I provided cultural supervision to programs facilitators.  The key objectives were to develop motivational skills and behaviours to work responsively with Maori offenders. Here is one of the methods of instruction I used:

  • Te Whare Tapa Wha - Building an appreciation and working knowledge of Te Whare Tapa Wha with special emphasis built in and around "te taha wairua"

 

 

• Psychological Services East Coast District - Over the period of a year I facilitated the offender healing processes of youth in the Youth unit at Hawkes Bay Prison and offenders already in the community serving community based sentences under referral of Psychological Services. Here is one of the methods of instruction I used.

  • Taha Wairua - Providing the correct spiritual nourishment through distinguishing what is damaging to the wairua and therefore detrimental to our development, and what enhances the wairua and builds resilience through knowledge and understanding on a day to day basis.