Completion of first Pōwhiri Poutama Intensive Community Recovery Programme for 2026
He waka eke noa - We are all in this canoe together
What an amazing 8-weeks we experienced at Te Kuirau Marae alongside tangata whaiora during their huarahi ora - journey to wellbeing - at the Pōwhiri Poutama Intensive Community Recovery Programme. We are so grateful to deliver this kaupapa in the sacred wharenui of Te Roro o te Rangi that provided a safe space for sharing, learning, awhi and aroha.
The Pōwhiri Poutama programme ran on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3 February - 1 April 2026. This intensive programme creates a modified therapeutic community weaving together tikanga and mātauranga Māori with clinical approaches following distinct stages along the Poutama. Significant milestones were marked by the gifting on kōhatu as tangata whaiora progress from pōtiki, teina and graduating as tūakana.
Mornings started with therapeutic rōpu session in the wharenui guided by karakia, waiata and pūrākau, followed by the psycho-educational learning to enhance tools, skills and practices that enable recovery.
Afternoons included elective sessions with an 8-week tikanga programme being delivered on Tuesday afternoons to strengthen cultural connection including tikanga Māori, haka and Atua Pūrākau. Tangagta whaiora attended diversion therapy sessions on Wednesday afternoons to help tangata whaiora discover new healthy habits in the community that are easily accessible. These sessions included several hīkoi and learning about sacred taonga.
We had two noho marae during the programme, which allowed for strengthened connections and commitment to healing and recovery.
We were also grateful to welcome several guest presenters who were able to share their mātauranga and inspiration. They included: respected kaumatua from the hapū of Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi in Ohinemutu, Rūkingi Haupapa; addiction specialists Rangimaria Warbrick and Tini Rangiita; and the curator of Mātauranga Māori for the Rotorua MuseumManaaki Pene .
Our esteemed Board Chair, Lehi Hohaia,
retires from the Police after 47 years!
Our Mana Enhancing STOP team were fortunate to attend our Board chair, Lehi Hohaia's farewell from Police after 47 years. The event was well attended by many distinguished guests at the Rydges Hotel in Rotorua on 27 March 2026.
Our own founder and executive director Kevin Hollingsworth was invited to give a key note address, acknowledging the close relationship they have fostered over many years - from the days Lehi arrested Kevin on methamphetamine related charges, to their joint mission to educate the kōheke of Te Arawa on the harmful effects of methamphetamine which created the foundation of Tu Taua - a whānau, hapu and iwi approach to reducing meth related harm in the community.
Mana Enhancing STOP would not be the same without the long-standing relationship with Lehi, and it was a privilege to acknowledge his many years of service to the community, including as one of the first Police Iwi Liaison Officers and even as a Māori All Black!
While Lehi steps away from Police duties, we look forward to his ongoing commitment and guidance as the Board chair of the Mana Enhancing STOP kaupapa!
Check out this link for more on the event: Honouring nearly 50 years of service for Lehi Hohaia – Aukaha News
Oraka Ararau National Alcohol and Other Drug Hui 26 - 27 March 2026
Four members of the Mana Enhamcing STOP team were fortunate to attend this years Oraka Ararau National Alcohol and Other Drug Hui held at Ngā Hau e Whā marae in Otautahi on 26 and 27 March 2026.
This is an amazing kaupapa organised by Te Whare Tukutuku that brings together Māori drug and alcohol practitioners, researchers and experts to advance Te Ao Māori solutions to harm reduction, healing and recovery.
This event provided a special opportunity for Kevin to award Trevor with the very first Māreikura Scholarship to tautoko his educational pursuits to improve community wellbeing.
This scholarship was established in memory of Hinepare Patricia Hollingsworth to acknowledge the powerful kuia who provide awhi, kaha and aroha to support recovery and uphold the Mana Enhancing STOP vision: “To create a thriving, drug-free community where individuals and whānau are empowered to reclaim their lives through kaupapa Māori-based recovery support.”.
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!
