YOUR HEALTH

Maori Health - Te Rito Arahi

Drug & Alcohol

Born of a dream by Maori from throughout Te Waipounamu, the seed that was to become Te Rito Arahi was planted at a hui held at Nga Hau e Wha marae in 1985. The hui was attended by Maori from as far north as Whakatu and as far south as Murihiku – Maori representing consumers, service providers, government agencies and community groups.

The kaupapa of the hui was to discuss from a Maori perspective, alcohol and other substance abuse. The main points that came from the hui were:

The outcome of the hui was unanimous. The moemoe of the assembled rangatahi, pakeke, kaumatua and kuia was for the establishment of a Maori alcohol and drug service. The new service would contribute to the prevention and treatment of alcohol and other substance abuse problems, and the training of Maori working in the alcohol and drug field.

It was envisaged that Te Rito Arahi would not only be a leading agency in the alcohol and drug field, but also in the provision of social services to Maori generally. There was a distinct role for Te Rito Arahi to tautoko other appropriate Maori individuals and groups.

The naming of this new organisation was given careful consideration. This service would be contributing to the recovery of Maori Health; 'a guide for the tender young shoots'in recovery; and a guiding influence for those already in recovery – thus the name Te Rito Arahi.

Initially Te Rito Arahi was made up of dedicated volunteers and registered as an incorporated society. As the skill base increased Te Rito Arahi has developed and evolved policies, practises and procedures that have contributed positively to increasing effectiveness.

In 1994 Te Rito Arahi was registered as a charitable trust with a board of trustees at the helm rather than an executive committee. The move to a more professional base has resulted in increased stability, professionalism and a sense of direction within the organisation.

The holistic philosophy of Te Rito Arahi is reflected in its kaupapa.

Te Rito Arahi is a Maori alcohol and drug resource centre. Its primary function is its contribution to the prevention and reduction of alcohol and drug related harm – with an emphasis on Maori. Its beginnings lie in the perception of Maori that mainstream services were not meeting their cultural needs.

Te Rito Arahi, like many other Maori social services, believes that a sense of Maori must pervade the organisation – including its service delivery. Te Rito Arahi’s practices, policies and procedures need to be relevant and understandable to Maori if Maori are to be successfully engaged and their needs addressed. Practices Maori are the first consideration in dealing with clients. Other models of treatment may be integrated into this process if it benefits the client.

The philosophy of harm minimisation is acceptable by Te Rito Arahi as part of its holistic approach to improving Maori health. It encompasses prevention, early and brief intervention, assessment and therapeutic interventions such as counselling and after care relapse prevention. Harm minimisation is inclusive of abstinence and moderation, of residential and/or non-residential options. Te Rito Arahi acts as a guide to facilitate positive change for Maori as individuals, as whanau and as a community. Meeting the needs of its clients to the best of its ability.

Services

The following services are offered:

Office Hours

8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Contact Details

Te Rito Arahi
194 Madras Street
Christchurch
PO Box 13274
Christchurch

Phone 03 379 5709
Facsimile 03 379 5070
Email tra@slingshot.co.nz