Waka Toa Ora

Getting Through Together Digest: 24th May 2020

Kia ora. How are we doing, team?

It's become really apparent over the past week that we're all in different places at the mo - some of us are rushing back amongst it, while others are still playing it safe from our homes. And for some of us, it varies depending on how we’re feeling that day!

While we've all had our own noho rāhui/ lockdown experience, we've all played a part in caring for each other and showing aroha. Let's keep up the kindness Aotearoa.

We have loved coming to you twice a week with bits and bobs to help you get through. As we move deeper into level 2, we are changing things up and so from here on, our digest will be appearing in your inbox just once a week on Wednesdays. If you feel like you'll be missing your wellbeing fix, then rest assured - we're as busy as ever on:

• Facebook; and
• Instagram.

We've got a goodie for your last Sunday digest, so grab a cuppa and have a read!

Arohanui,
All Right? and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

The Casketeers on life during COVID-19

If you’ve ever watched the popular TVNZ show The Casketeers, you'll know Francis and Kaiora Tipene treat each whānau that comes into their funeral home like a member of their own extended family. 

But in the new COVID-19 world, that’s one of many, many parts of life that has had to change.

“Our style is very manaaki, very caring, and we’re huggy people," Kaiora Tipene says. “Now, we can’t practise that. And that changes things. This whole lockdown has gone against what we’re all about.”

Now that the rules have been softened slightly, it will give more families more possibilities when it comes to saying their final goodbye. But Kaiora’s big hope is that even more freedom will be available to grieving whānau as New Zealand moves forward. 

“Because we are here to serve them,” Kaiora says.

Read the full story about Kaiora Tipene helping grieving families dealing lockdown.

A big first week!

We know lots of kids are feeling a bit tired and cranky after a first big week back at kura/ school. We've actually heard from parents who want their lockdown child back!

Check out these calming tips from our mates at Sparklers if you are having some tense times at home. It covers calming techniques, identifying triggers, dealing with aggression, and lots more.

Last week was a big adjustment for many of our tamariki.
Check out this new Mental Health Foundation resource on heading back to kura/ school for practical information to help them get through this tricky time.

Moving with the moon

Ever looked up and wondered about the relationship between the moon and your wellbeing?

For thousands of years, Māori and indigenous people around the world have looked to the environment to track time, define space and determine their connection to the world and their surroundings.

There are many variations of maramataka around Aotearoa - each Iwi have their own, slightly different versions as they are influenced by many local factors.
The All Right? Maramataka calendar draws from the traditional observations and knowledge of Ngāi Tahu in Te Wai Pounamu (South Island).

Te Rātaka o Te Marama highlights the relationship between the current moon phase and how this can impact a person’s energy levels. According to the calendar, today – Sunday – is Ohoata. Today you’ll be starting to build up your energy, so it’s a good day for gardening, eeling, crayfishing and planting! It’s also an opportunity to do some korikori tinana/ exercising... perhaps something you’ve been putting off. But try not to over do it – there are high energy days coming up!

Order a Maramataka calendar from the All Right? website or create your own.

Kōrero with Sir Mason Durie

We're super pumped about sharing this new video featuring Kiwi legend and Māori health advocate and researcher Sir Mason Durie (Ngāti Rangitane, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa).

Sir Mason has a kōrero with Michael Naera (Te Arawa) about whānau and COVID-19. They discuss how past pandemics have affected Māori and what this tells us about how COVID-19 has affected and will continue to impact Māori. The video is the first from the new Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora series by the Mental Health Foundation. It explores how whānau can look after their mental health and wellbeing/ taha hinengaro, and care for each other in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Follow the Mental Health Foundation Facebook page for more episodes.

Helping you, to help them through

Those of us who experience mental health and addiction challenges are doing it tough right now – but we know there are plenty of charities and community groups out there helping get people through.

The Mental Health Foundation’s new Whai Ora, Whiti Ora Fund is offering pūtea/ grants from a pool of $200,000 to support the much-needed mahi these charities keep doing.

Check out the Whai Ora, Whiti Ora fund application form today if you or someone you know works in this space, and could do with a little helping hand! Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 28th May 2020, so get in quick.

Not all right?

For many of us, these new challenges and the loss of our regular routines is causing stress. We want you to know that however you’re feeling, there is someone to talk to and free help available. It’s okay to reach out if you need to - we all need a bit of support from time-to-time.

Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor anytime - it’s free and completely confidential. You can also call Lifeline on 0800 543354 or text HELP to 4357.

Check out the Mental Health Foundation’s website for further advice on how to stay mentally well during this time.

Until next time, stay well Aotearoa.
And remember, we'll get through this - together.

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