Ngā mihi, Tau, for your invaluable kōrero today. We are deeply appreciative of your presence and the insights you shared. Tau Thompson, a respected member of our community, is a Ju-jitsu instructor and counsellor for REAL, where he is deeply passionate about the rangatahi (youth) and whānau (families) he serves. His commitment to providing holistic support through in-depth counseling, mentoring, and related services is widely recognised across Tūwharetoa.
Here are some of the key takeaways Tau highlighted from today’s wānanga:
1. Cultural Foundations in Practice: Tau acknowledged the importance of grounding professional practices in tikanga (cultural protocols) and te reo Māori, recognising that true cultural integrity comes from maintaining these foundations in all aspects of support.
2. Building Resilient Whānau: He reflected on the significance of not just addressing individual needs but nurturing the wider whānau, recognising that sustainable change and healing often emerge through collective whānau well-being.
3. Integrating Traditional and Contemporary Approaches: Tau emphasised the value of blending traditional Māori practices with contemporary therapeutic methods, highlighting how this integration provides a more robust and culturally relevant approach to counseling and mentorship.
4. Youth Empowerment: In his kōrero, Tau reiterated his passion for empowering rangatahi by fostering environments that allow them to thrive and express their potential. He sees this as an essential part of maintaining the cultural strength of future generations.
Through his reflections, it’s clear that the insights shared during today’s wānanga will continue to influence Tau’s work, ensuring that the youth and whānau he supports benefit from both cultural and clinical perspectives. Tau’s journey as a practitioner serves as a powerful example of how practicing with cultural integrity can truly enhance the well-being of our whānau, hapū, and local community.
