Getting the Most Out of Your Wā Manaaki Supervision at Kāinga Ora
At Kāinga Ora, your mahi makes a real difference in the lives of whānau across Aotearoa. Whether you're managing complex tenancies, supporting vulnerable families, or working to create sustainable communities, your role can be both rewarding and emotionally demanding.
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.
Before the Session:
1. Set Aside 10 Minutes of Dedicated Preparation Time
Review your work since the last supervision session
Reflect on successes, challenges, and key events
Consider any emerging patterns or themes in your practice
Make notes about specific cases or situations you want to discuss
2. Identify Clear Goals and Priorities
What do you want to achieve from this session?
What are your most pressing concerns or questions?
What areas of your practice need development?
What successes would you like to acknowledge?
3. Structure Your Thoughts Create a simple agenda including:
Urgent or crisis issues requiring immediate attention
Follow-up from previous supervision sessions
Current cases or situations you want to discuss
Professional development goals and progress
Any organizational or team issues affecting your practice
During Your Session:
1. Be Open About Your Needs
Clearly communicate what you need from your supervisor
Let them know if you need more support or more challenge
Share how difficult situations affect you personally
Ask questions when you need clarification
2. Actively Participate
Be honest about challenges
Discuss both successes and difficulties
Be ready to challenge your assumptions
Discuss cultural considerations in your work
3. Take Notes
Record key insights
Document agreed actions
Write down new strategies to try
After Your Session:
1. Review and Plan
Review your notes
Plan how to implement new strategies
Consider how learning can be applied to current cases
Identify any additional support needed
2. Put Learning into Action
Apply new approaches
Implement suggested strategies
Access recommended resources
Document outcomes for discussion next time
Remember: Wā Manaaki supervision is your protected time to reflect on your important work with whānau. It's an opportunity to enhance your practice, maintain your wellbeing, and develop professionally within the unique context of Kāinga Ora.
Making It Work:
Schedule regular sessions and prioritise attendance
Come prepared with specific examples and situations
Be open to feedback and new perspectives
Use supervision to explore both challenges and successes
Be open about your wellbeing needs
Consider how your work aligns with Kāinga Ora's values and goals
By making the most of your Wā Manaaki supervision, you can enhance your ability to support whānau effectively while maintaining your own wellbeing and professional growth.
