A fresh approach to alcohol harm prevention left attendees optimistic about a different way forward following the recent Ruru Parirau – Rewriting our Alcohol Story hui taumata.
Hosted by Healthy Families Rotorua, the one-day wānanga brought together community leaders, iwi representatives, health and social sector professionals, and whānau to explore strengths-based approaches to alcohol harm prevention. While the kaupapa was serious, the day was characterised by laughter, honest conversations, and a willingness to think differently about alcohol and wellbeing.
Healthy Families Rotorua systems innovator, Teteira Ormsby, said the day exceeded expectations and provided an opportunity to test a different approach to a challenging kaupapa.
“I could see the audience was fully engaged throughout the event. The vibe was great and filled with laughter, which isn’t common when discussing heavy topics.
“Shifting away from deficit kōrero, which has almost become traditional in the reducing alcohol harm space, offered inspiration and tools to move beyond the struggle. Rather than focusing on harm, Ruru Parirau highlighted the strengths, values and mātauranga Māori practices that have long supported Māori wellbeing,” he says.
Teteira’s opening reflections on the symbolism of the kōtare and the foundations of Ruru Parirau set the tone for the day.
Presenters Hohua and Philly Mohi, Kimiora Webster, Dr Nari Faiers and Healthy Families Te Ngira, alongside the lived experiences shared by Melody Ash and Aaron Hepi and insights from marae panellists Lynda Vercoe, Te Taiawatea Knight and Rapu Pou, highlighted the power of storytelling, shared learning and collective leadership to strengthen systems, support community wellbeing and improve outcomes for whānau.
The League of Live Illustrators captured the kōrero and key themes throughout the day, while MC Te Wehi Preston helped keep the programme flowing with a mix of humour and thoughtful discussion.
Teteira says the strong presence of wairua Māori throughout the hui helped create a space where people felt comfortable to listen, learn and contribute.
“Celebrating Māori-led initiatives that support preventive solutions to alcohol harm was new and exciting. The hui taumata clearly demonstrated there’s a strong appetite for a different conversation about alcohol and wellbeing,” says Teteira.
Healthy Families Rotorua manager, Jenny Kaka-Scott, said one of the strengths of the hui was its alignment with community aspirations from the outset.
“I loved how the hui taumata reflected the aspirations of whānau and community voice. Teteira based it on three things, which he shared in his introduction on the day, and I think the outcome remained aligned with those aspirations.
“Every speaker came prepared to share from a point of strength, and this made the whole day feel positive and opportunity-focused,” says Jenny.
She said the variety of speakers and formats ensured there was something for everyone.
“From the keynote speakers down to the video clips, individual presentations and group discussions, everyone showed there is always opportunity to make a difference and achieve influence when you change the narrative.
“The feedback and feeling in the room on the day was inspirational and collaborative, which is exactly what we wanted to achieve,” says Jenny.
She said the hui also demonstrated the value of bringing leaders together across the hauora ecosystem.
“We were able to demonstrate that relationships within the hauora ecosystem can be nurtured and strengthened when leaders are brought together to share their ideas, mahi and resources, thereby creating a stronger system to support whānau and communities,” says Jenny.
