Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust is partnering with the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office as an official provider of the Storm Recovery Navigation Service. Navigators help storm-impacted whānau get back on their feet with much-needed practical support and advice.
As Storm Recovery Navigators with the Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust, sisters Te Wai Unasa and Tui Barbarich-Tawera have been helping whānau across Auckland recover from 2023 storms.
They have been a formidable team, with complementary skills and experience supporting communities through flooding in Hauraki and through COVID outbreaks.
Tui says organisations like the Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust bring a special ability to connect with Māori who are more open to engaging with them.
“The way we connect with people is different. We do it in a way that’s mana-enhancing, where there is a good vibe and no judgement. Māori values are also highly transferable, so we’ve actually been able to work with a range of different cultures,” says Tui.
The team is walking alongside storm-affected whānau in a variety of situations helping with both their immediate needs and longer-term recovery planning. Many whānau they work with have had to relocate to other areas, and some still have uncertainty about the future of their home.
“As iwi, we’re not service providers, we’re connectors. We see our role as being a bridge between institutions: knowing how the system works, who we need to talk to and when we need to advocate for people,” Te Wai says.
“When they finally come to us, they have reached their limits dealing with everything that needs to be sorted. So, they’re extremely grateful for our guidance, and that we can make life easier and remove barriers.
“I’ll never forget how tough Christmas was for many whānau – it was one of the worst Christmases they had. But we were able to help them in meaningful ways to start the new year in a much better position.”
Building capability
The trust’s Chief Executive, Michelle Wilson, says through a devastating situation, new capabilities and relationships are growing.
“We already had a lot of experience helping people navigate through disasters and in general through the system. But with the Storm Recovery Navigator Service we’ve been able to build our capability and networks with other NGOs,” explains Michelle.
“There has been a lot of trust and mana built on both sides that will help us in supporting ongoing community activities, and through long-term recovery planning. It’s also been a huge help having access to a range of different funds and services for the whānau and people we work with.”
Haere Mai – our door is open
The team are out and about setting up information and promotional booths to make sure whānau are aware of the storm recovery navigator service provision. Tui says the team are also knocking on doors and gates in affected areas to find those in need.
“We are trying to reach people who really need our support. Some feel like they are fortunate enough, and that others deserve our help more than them. Others feel whakamā (embarrassed) asking for help or accessing our services,” says Tui.
“But I say to them - you ARE worthy of us helping you. We are here to be your voice.
“There is a very relevant tongikura from Kīngi Tāwhiao about strength in unity: Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati ki te kāpuia e kore e whati - when we stand alone we are vulnerable, but together we are unbreakable.”
With the passion for this kaupapa (mission) running in the family, Tui is now passing on the baton, mentoring her daughter Waimarie into the Navigator role, and will be there to manaaki (support) her as she continues helping those in need.
Contact a Navigator
If you, a friend or a neighbour were affected by last year’s storms, and might benefit from Storm Recovery Navigator support, we would like to hear from you.
You can contact the wider Storm Recovery Navigator team by filling out the online referral form, emailing navigators@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, or phoning 09 884 2070.
You can also contact the Ngāti Tamaterā Settlement Trust team directly
- Recovery Navigator Te Wai Unasa: tewai.srn@gmail.com
- Recovery Navigator Waimarie Barbarich-Tawera: waimarie.srn@gmail.com
- Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust: admin@tamatera.iwi.nz.
