Celebrating a year since Mana Ake was launched

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Mana Ake - Stronger for Tomorrow

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The Mana Ake SLC under CCN was disestablished in December 2023. The activity of the group has been transitioned to the Community and Public Health | Te Mana Ora.

Mana Ake - Stronger for Tomorrow provides mental health and wellbeing support for children aged five to 12 years old across Canterbury.

Mana Ake kaimahi are employed by one of 12 providers and work with schools to support teachers, families and whānau when children are experiencing issues that impact their wellbeing such as managing emotions, friendships and bullying, parental separation and grief and loss.

Kaimahi have a diverse range of skills and include psychologists, social workers, counsellors, teachers and youth workers. Kaimahi can work with children and their families at school, in the community or at home and with groups of children in schools. They provide advice, guidance and support for teachers and family/ whānau.

You can talk to your local school to find out about what is being offered by the Mana Ake team.

If you're concerned about your child’s wellbeing or mental health, you should talk to their child's teacher, or a member of the school staff, to check if Mana Ake is the right service to support your child. If your child does not currently attend a school, you can request support directly from Mana Ake via manaakefeedback@cdhb.health.nz

Mana Ake team leaders (kaiarahi) support geographic teams of kaimahi. If you have a query about Mana Ake you can contact the kaiarahi for your area (phone numbers to the right).

See the links under the Related Pages heading to find out more about supporting a child’s wellbeing. This list includes the Mana Ake website.

Mana Ake karakia read by Karaitiana Tickell

E atawhai ana mātou

Te whakatōkia o ngā kakano i ruia mai

E nga māhuri tōtara e tipu ana mō āpōpō.

Nā tātou katoa hei awhi te kaupapa,

Hei mana ake te tū tauira tonu ai.

Haumi ē, Hui ē, Tāiki ē.

We nurture and protect

the seeds sown near and far,

so that they may grow into mighty totara for a not so distant tomorrow.

We embrace our responsibility,

To encourage students on a path of lifelong learning.

Unified, Together, Strong.

Celebrating a year since Mana Ake was launched

16 May, 2019 | Return|

Minister of Health Dr David Clark and Minister of Greater Christchurch Regeneration Megan Woods attended an event to congratulate everyone who had a part in the design and roll out of Mana Ake.

“In just one year, Mana Ake has supported 942 children individually, and 578 children in groups. That’s a lot of children that have been listened to and had their wellbeing issues? concerns taken seriously,” says David Clark.

“Our tamariki have experienced a number of challenges in their lives, from the ongoing impact of the earthquakes, which served as the initial impetus for Mana Ake, through to the experience of the attacks on March 15 this year, as well as the challenges of day to day life.

“For parents to know that their children will be supported when they go to school is a fantastic comfort – and no doubt will be improving the mental health and wellbeing of many parents as well,” he continued.

The pupils of Burnside Primary School were front and centre at the event - a reminder to everyone attending who we are all working for.

Minister Megan Woods says it is the people involved in Mana Ake who have made it such a success.

“The role kaimahi play to support Canterbury’s young people can’t be overstated. Our kaimahi go into schools every day to help, support and build resilience for our school children, equipping them with skills which will help them for the rest of their lives.

As of 29 April 2019, all Year 1 to 8 children in Canterbury’s 219 primary and intermediate schools have been able to access dedicated wellbeing and mental health support in schools from Mana Ake – Stronger for Tomorrow.

Watch a video featuring the voices of the Mana Ake community, or download the year in review booklet.