Noho Marae 2025 - Taheke Marae Okere Falls
19 - 21 December
"Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou. Ka ora ai te iwi"
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the Tu Taua Noho Marae 2025.
We're deeply grateful to the whānau who travelled from afar and who have now become part of our wider whānau.
This noho was a reflection of kotahitanga, connection, and shared purpose.
Special acknowledgements to Ngāti Hine, Hope House, and Whakaoranga Whānau Recovery Hub — thank you for your presence, your kōrero, and the mana you brought to the noho.
Yes, we even had a sauna!
Shout out to our colleagues and volunteers, you all were amazing!
"Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa."
Dame Whina Cooper
End of year barbecue - Kuirau Park 2025
On 10 December, we came together for a BBQ that was more than just sharing kai, it was about sharing connection. Addiction isolates, connection heals. We are strong alone, but unstoppable together and this night reminded us of the mana that grows when we stand side by side.
Kai has a beautiful way of bringing people together and sparking a korero that strengthens us on the journey of recovery.
This was an opportunity to remember our pou,
Patricia Hinepare Hollingsworth,
on her 85th birthday!
Cutting Edge Conference 2025
Cutting Edge is an incredible annual conference organized by the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (Dapaanz). It's an opportunity to connect for members from across the motu to share ideas and experiences and learn from some of the best in the field about new trends and exciting developments.
This year the Cutting-Edge conference was held at the Energy Events Center here in Rotorua on 12 and 13 November 2025. We had an amazing time meeting with other kaimahi and growing our kete!
We are super excited that Trevor Lamb received the Dapaanz Newcomer to Addiction Practice Award and that Tyron McKenzie received the Dapaanz Excellent Contribution to Peer Support Award! We know how much effort and aroha you have both put into your journeys, and we are so proud to see you recognized in this way at this prestigious event. Ka mau te wehi!
Te Whare Tukutuku Hoe Rua Scholarships
We are grateful for our amazing partnership with Te Whare Tukutuku, "the national addiction centre that sits under the korowai of Te Rau Ora."
Their Hoe Rua scholarships are designed to support new addiction practitioners starting out in the workplace to experience the work environment and hone their skills. These scholarships have provided many of our kaimahi the opportunity to learn and grow into competent practitioners, allowing them to harness the power of their lived experience to inspire tangata whaiora on their journey to recovery.
We celebrate Meretaka Brown and Rhian McCrae for successfully completing their scholarships in 2025.
We are also excited Kapua Hollings and Kayla Emery, have both received scholarships this year. Ka rawe!
