Rawiri Maniapoto talks about how he discovered freedom from unforgiveness towards his father, a gang member, and the violence he had inflicted on their whanau. The rejection and anger gripped his life and influenced his unhealthy choices during his formative years stealing some opportunities in sports and education that, as a talented young person, he was offered . Forgiving his father has become a key to the man and father he has become today. Ra has worked in the youth development field in alternative education, and currently is in a leadership role as the Pou of a kaupapa Maori residential intensive rehabilitation programme (Mauri Ora -He Waka Tapu). Ra and Hira and their children have broken the proverbial cycle of violence and are raising their children in an environment of security, purpose, and faith. Ra and Phil also try to imitate the audible voice of God albeit with limited success.

As we await the Mental Health And Addiction Inquiry report here’s an insiders view on Pasifika Addiction and Mental health issues . Every year there is an Annual Caucus pre- the Cutting edge Conference (which has been happening since 1997) in September is held. Drua coordinate this fono –. Drua is a national voluntary Pasifika Addiction network. This year we met in Rotorua with support from DAPAANZ and Le Va , and the Health Promotion Agency to host another Pasifika gathering .

The morning Session:

A wonderful panel kicked off the day MC by Saveatama Eroni Clarke . Pesio Ah Honi (Key note speaker for the conference ) gives an brief overview of MapuMaia and Gambling related harm and Gerhart Berking aka Bom talks about his research on gaming and Gambling among Pasifika young people www.mapumaia.nz. Apollo Taito (Pasifika Senior Mental Health and Addiction lead with Le Va : Pasifika Workforce Development Programme www.leva.co.nz/resources/topic/mental-health ,) and Claire Aitken Director of Moana House in Dunedin - a well established Therapeutic Community with several Pasifika Staff and whaiora www.moanahouse.net/programme/share their highlights and insights . Our thanks to all those who contributed and participated a mana enhancing gathering

An inspirational interview with Atama Waitere, about recovery, suicide, mental health and distress and resiliency. Atama was diagnosed as teenager with “bipolar disorder’ ”, and spent many years in institutional hospital care, but for the last 11 years he has been without symptoms or drugs and is married with two beautiful children and loving life. He is currently working in the Addiction and Mental health field supporting others. Atama shares his lived experience and his HOPE.

In-depth interview with Atama

An interview with Pesio Ah Honi - Mational Director of Mapu Maia, Problem Gambling Foundation.

An interview with Pesio Ah Honi - Mational Director of Mapu Maia, Problem Gambling Foundation.

Gaming , Gambling and Public Health

Te Whare Mauri Ora

Former All Black Legend Eroni Clarke talks life, attitude, overcoming disappointment, mental health and well being.