Henare (Hori) Ahomiro

Master of Indigenous Studies

My Masters research was centred on reviewing family/whānau inclusion in mental health and addictions services.

It confirmed for me the need to reclaim the traditional values and customs handed down by our tūpuna Māori and other indigenous peoples – ngā taonga tuku iho. This was the realisation that as Māori we have many of the answers and solutions to the health and wellbeing issues we face today.

Like any study, it was all new learning and I absorbed everything. The learning complements my existing experience as an advisor in mental health. It reinforces my work to support kaupapa and mātauranga Māori issues faced by our mental health and addictions service. It has provided depth of understanding and knowledge that is acknowledged in my workplace and will assist in the improvement and development of Māori service needs.

Studying at Awanuiārangi was a pathway I took with my two daughters, who graduated with me. It was also about my fellow tauira, kaiako and the environment we were immersed in, which provided a comfortable, whānau-orientated space we all thrived in.