Group supervision can be a powerful tool that supports reflective practice, shared learning, and emotional wellbeing. When done well, it builds team cohesion, improves decision-making, and helps staff manage the emotional demands of work. But to be effective, group supervision needs structure, preparation, focus on safety, and clarity of purpose. Here’s what you need to know to get the best out of it.

Supporting vulnerable people—whether as a housing manager, social worker, or psychologist—can be incredibly rewarding. But it can also be emotionally exhausting, especially when faced with high needs, complex situations, and limited resources. Many professionals in helping roles experience compassion fatigue—a state of emotional and physical exhaustion caused by the chronic stress of supporting others in distress.

A powerful metaphor to navigate this challenge is to be a lighthouse, not a lifeboat—an image that captures the essence of sustainable support work

Confidentiality is at the heart of our Wā Manaaki supervision sessions. When you share your professional experiences with us, you deserve complete privacy and trust. This post outlines how we protect your information and maintain the confidential space needed for effective supervision.

A new supervisor brings different insights and approaches to your practice. They may identify patterns you've missed and challenge you to explore overlooked areas. This fresh viewpoint can transform how you handle challenging situations and approach tenant, stakeholder and colleague interactions.

Picture this: You've had a challenging week. A tenant situation has escalated, involving complex family dynamics and safety concerns. You're worried about a child in the household, there's property damage to manage, and you're questioning whether you could have handled things differently. Where do you turn?

You have three doors in front of you. Behind one sits your Wā Manaaki supervisor, behind another your EAP counsellor, and behind the third your People Leader. Which door do you choose?

Taking time to step back and reflect often helps you work more efficiently. Those who invest in quality supervision typically find they make clearer decisions, handle complex cases more effectively, and feel more confident in their work. Think of it as sharpening your tools - a small investment of time that makes everything else work better.

Here are 10 focused questions to help you get the most from your supervision. Invest just 10 minutes in reflection before your session, and watch how it transforms your practice:

Wā Manaaki supervision is different from counselling or line management. It's a collaborative partnership where you and your supervisor work together to enhance your professional practice.

Wā Manaaki supervision is your protected time to pause, reflect, and grow in your practice. It's a space where you can explore challenges, celebrate successes, and develop strategies to better support both the whānau you work with and your own wellbeing.

This guide will help you prepare for and make the most of your Wā Manaaki supervision sessions, ensuring they provide meaningful support for your important and often challenging work at Kāinga Ora.