Established in 2018 following the Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes, Mana Ake began as part of a Government commitment to support tamariki and has since been rolled out across regions of Aotearoa. In Canterbury, Youth Alive Trust is one of 13 NGO providers delivering Mana Ake.

To mark the recent milestone, Mana Ake providers released a special publication sharing stories and feedback from tamariki, parents, whānau and schools who have been impacted by the programme.

One nine-year-old boy shared, “The anxiety is not me and I can choose not to listen to it. It does not control my brain.”

“We’re noticing better connection and less conflict,” shared one mother. “Both our boys are talking more with us now and are initiating more conversations too. I had no idea about emotions and the impact mine could have on the kids. I’ve learnt heaps and feel really excited about being a mum again.”

You can read the Mana Ake publication online at www.manaake.health.nz/about-us