Our Te Puna Waiora team held a whakawātea (sacred blessing ceremony) to cleanse the space in B180 on Thursday.
Led by Kaihautu, Hohepa Renata, Whaea Lynda Toki, and members of our Maia/Marae team, the ceremony was to free the emotional weight accumulated from the many heartfelt stories shared by our ākonga with our mental health counsellors.
Te Puna Waiora serves as a sanctuary for our students, providing counselling and support as part of our pastoral care commitment. The nature of this work means that the space absorbs a range of emotions—grief, trauma, hope, and healing.
The whakawātea was a way to release any lingering heaviness, restoring the mauri (life force) of the space and ensuring it remains a place of safety and renewal.
“We sang our waiata, composed by Whaea Lynda specifically for Te Puna Waiora,” says Te Puna Waiora coordinator, Jochelee Punzalan.
“Waiata (song) is a powerful form of storytelling and connection, carrying the weight of history, spirituality, and identity. This waiata encapsulates the essence of our mission, reinforcing our commitment to the wellbeing of our students.”
The ceremony reflects Te Puna Waiora’s dedication to upholding the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, which emphasises the importance of learner wellbeing and safety.
“By integrating tikanga Māori into our practices, we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and acknowledge the significance of cultural and spiritual wellbeing in our staff members’ and students’ lives,” Jochelee explains.
While Te Puna Waiora no longer offers medical services, they continue to provide free, confidential counselling support to all Unitec students at both campuses.
“Our team is here to assist with a range of personal challenges, including life transitions, grief, identity, relationships, and more,” Jochelee says.
“We encourage everyone to inform students about our services available at Te Puna Waiora. Whether they’re seeking support, guidance, or simply someone to talk to, our doors are always open.
“Their wellbeing is our priority, and we’re here to walk alongside them on their journey. Let’s continue to support our students’ wellbeing together.”
For more information or to make an appointment, students can contact Te Puna Waiora at: Phone: 0800 10 85 10 or Email: counselling@unitec.ac.nz. Online bookings here
Address: Building 180 (Te Puna Waiora), Mt Albert Campus; and Building 510, Room 2026, Waitākere Campus
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm.