Otago agency wins Maori health award
OTAGO counselling agency Mirror Services could reflect on a job well done yesterday, when it received the Paraire Huata Award at the Maori Health Leadership Summit in Dunedin yesterday,
However, there was still much work left for Mirror Services to do, kaiwhakahaere Blondie Ngamoki, of Waitati, said.
‘‘Unfortunately things are quite challenging for our young people, but we’ve got to turn that, and that’s what we’re going to do, and make some positive changes in the community.’’
Mirror Services was established in 1991.
It offers counselling services to teenagers with mental health, emotional and/or substance abuse issues, as well as alcohol and drug abuse counselling for young people, across Otago and Southland.
The trust employs about 16 people and helps more than 450 clients annually.
‘‘It was a tremendous honour and very humbling,’’ Ms Ngamoki said.
‘‘I knew Paraire well, and he sacrificed a lot of time to give out to his people, he gave aroha to everyone.’’
The Paraire Huata Award, named for a prominent Maori mental health worker, will provide Mirror Services with funding for a hui on Maori models of practice.
‘‘I am aware that a lot of people haven’t had the training that we have had, and I’m hoping that passing that on will be what the award will do.’’
Also honoured yesterday was Te Kaika, a lowcost primary care service in Caversham.
It received the Dame Tariana Turia Award for contributions to Whanau Ora, and would receive funds to continue its programme of services.
Earlier in the conference the Sir Mason Durie Pae Ora Masters Scholarship was launched, which will support prospective masters students majoring in mental health.