Wā Manaaki

Professional Supervision for Kāinga Ora Kaimahi

Supporting Kāinga Ora kaimahi in your important mahi with whānau and communities

At 3 Big Things, we understand the complexities and challenges of your work at Kāinga Ora. Through structured, confidential conversations with experienced supervisors, the Wā Manaaki  – Professional Supervision service provides eligible kaimahi with a dedicated time and space for professional reflection and growth to maintain your wellbeing at work and at home.

Wā Manaaki is primarily designed for customer-facing kaimahi, though it may be available to others through an approval process. If you're interested in accessing Wā Manaaki and having regular opportunities to reflect on your work and explore challenges, please contact healthandwellbeing@kaingaora.govt.nz.

How Wā Manaaki Supports You

Unlike counselling and EAP services which provide support when you're experiencing personal challenges, Wā Manaaki supervision takes a proactive approach to your professional growth and workplace wellbeing. Through regular and ongoing sessions, you'll develop strategies and skills before challenges arise, helping you navigate complex situations with confidence. Here's how:

Professional Growth & Cultural Practice

  • Develop new approaches to working with tenants and communities that align with Te Ao Māori perspectives

  • Build confidence in making complex decisions while maintaining cultural awareness

Wellbeing & Resilience

  • Establish clear professional boundaries while maintaining empathy and connection

  • Build resilience for navigating challenging situations with tenants and communities

Practical Support & Problem-Solving

  • Receive guidance on complex cases from experienced supervisors who understand your work

  • Learn from real-world scenarios to enhance your professional toolkit

Supporting Your Journey: A Safe Space for Everyone

At 3 Big Things we recognise and celebrate the diversity of the people we work with. Our supervisors bring understanding and experience in supporting:

  • Different cultural backgrounds and perspectives

  • Gender identities and expressions

  • Rainbow/LGBTQIA+ communities

  • Neurodivergent ways of thinking and working

When you work with us, you can expect:

  • A judgment-free environment where you can speak openly

  • Support that adapts to your unique needs and preferences

  • Cultural safety and sensitivity

How Wā Manaaki works

Find a supervisor.

Get to know our experienced supervision team. Each supervisor brings unique skills and expertise to support you in your work.

Read their profiles to learn about their backgrounds, supervision approaches, and special areas of focus. You can choose someone whose experience and style feels right for your needs.

Contact us.

Once you've identified a supervisor you'd like to work with, get in touch. Alternatively, you can contact us directly and we'll help find a supervisor who best matches your needs and preferences.

You can reach out through our online form, email, or phone. We'll respond within one working day to discuss your supervision goals and answer any questions you might have about the process.

Get started.

After we've matched you with your supervisor, we'll schedule your first session. This initial meeting is about getting to know each other and setting the foundation for your supervision journey.

Together, you'll discuss your goals, establish a regular meeting schedule, and begin building the supportive relationship that will help you thrive in your role.

Learn more.

Explore our comprehensive Supervision Knowledge Hub, your go-to resource for understanding and preparing for professional supervision. Whether you're new to supervision or looking to deepen your practice, our carefully curated content guides you through the fundamentals of supervision, practical preparation steps, and strategies for maximizing your supervision experience. Simply visit the Knowledge Hub section of our website to learn more.

Having a regular time for reflective learning can be restorative and contribute to your confidence and capabilities at work.

Wā Manaaki allows you to take a bird’s-eye view of a situation, exploring thoughts, feelings, assumptions and beliefs.

Through the structure of Wā Manaaki you will feel safe to explore the questions that matter to you.

Getting it right for Aotearoa

We recognise that colonisation has a lasting legacy in Aotearoa. We are committed to the Treaty of Waitangi. Cultural awareness requires self-awareness and humility, courage to welcome diversity and the determination to challenge discrimination. We pay attention to your cultural identity and the cultural identity of those you work with.