“I wish I knew about mindful communication earlier, just so I could have that communication with my wairua.” 

“At school I would always perform kapa haka with my friends at lunchtime," says Wāti Hohua-Kora. "One of my teachers noticed that I would always perform as a girl. And one day she came up to me and asked ‘Wāti, what do you want?’. And I didn’t ask myself that. So hearing it from someone else felt good. My wairua wasn’t aligned with my tipuna. And I thank my teacher today for that.”

“It’s ok to feel alone. And it’s ok to feel the pain. Just call for help. Whenever you need it. Someone will be there to hear you.”

In this episode of Mānawa Maiea te Atawhai, Wāti demonstrates the practice of mindful communication with other rangatahi.

Mānawa Maiea te Atawhai is a 10-part series of practical mental wellbeing tools told through a Te Ao Māori worldview with honest kōrero, humour and shared stories. 

Watch the whole series here. 

Mānawa Maiea te Atawhai is created by The Kindness Institute, with funding support from Te Māngai Pāho. 

Where to get help:

• 1737: The nationwide, 24/7 mental health support line. Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor.
• Suicide Crisis Line: Free call 0508 TAUTOKO or 0508 828 865. Nationwide 24/7 support line operated by experienced counsellors with advanced suicide prevention training. 
• Youthline: Free call 0800 376 633, free text 234. Nationwide service focused on supporting young people.