PHANZ SUPPORTS NATIONAL FORUM LAUNCHING UPDATED WHĀNAU PARENTING GUIDELINES
The Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ) was honoured to be part of the launch of the updated Integrated Guidelines for Supporting Whānau Parenting with Mental Health, Substance Use and Wellbeing Challenges and their Tamariki, unveiled at the Supporting Parents Healthy Children (SPHC) National Forum, hosted by Whāraurau.
PHANZ Chief Executive, Dr Cadence Kaumoana, delivered the keynote address at the opening of the Forum in July, setting the tone for two days of kōrero and collaboration. In her address, Dr Kaumoana emphasised the centrality of whānau in public health, the sacred responsibility of working alongside tamariki and their parents, and the need for culturally responsive, whānau-centred approaches.
“Every interaction with whānau is an opportunity to honour their mana and build trust,” said Dr Kaumoana. “These guidelines provide the workforce with clear, practical steps that ensure engagement is genuine, respectful, and shaped by the voices of whānau themselves. They are a powerful reminder that wellbeing is not only about services, but about connection, aroha, and partnership.”
The updated guidelines, finalised in June 2025, provide nationally consistent and evidence-informed practice guidance to support professionals working with parents experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. They highlight the importance of interagency collaboration, culturally grounded practice, and strategies that protect and support the wellbeing of our tamariki.
Dr Kaumoana’s keynote was warmly acknowledged by participants, with organisers noting the inspiration and clarity her kōrero brought to the workforce as they move to implement the guidelines in their daily mahi.
PHANZ is proud to support the dissemination and implementation of these guidelines, recognising their critical role in advancing equity and improving outcomes for whānau and tamariki across Aotearoa.
Further information:
Event: SPHC National Forum 2025
Guidelines: Integrated Guidelines (June 2025, PDF)
Whāraurau: www.wharaurau.org.nz