One resident spoke to us about the change he has seen in himself, since moving into Te Pā Maru. “After spending three years in jail, I came to this place. Since being here, I’ve changed my lifestyle, and I’ve done that for myself”, he said. “I’ve become what you would call ‘legit’, by fitting in here at Te Pā Maru and following the rules. I’ve been off the meths, I’ve cut down on my drinking, and I’m eating well.
“There’s a structure here that works for me, and being allowed to drink something is a totally different way of treating people. It’s not looking down at people and punishing them for drinking, it’s accepting that they do drink and helping them do better for themselves.”
Seventeen people have accessed the service in its first year, and every person who has come to stay at Te Pā Maru has shown significant improvement in health outcomes. People have been able to better control their use of alcohol. This has resulted in less harmful behaviour to themselves, their families and the community, and has reduced contact with the criminal justice system.
Those who live at Te Pā Maru experience a range of challenges. This includes poor physical health, mental health issues, alcohol-related dementia and cognitive decline, post-traumatic stress, family breakdown, poverty, and isolation.
In their time at Te Pā Maru, whānau will engage in meaningful activity that helps them to connect with others, build independence and bring their life experiences and skills to Te Pā Maru. They develop and care for a shared garden, take part in structured group work programmes, engage in healthy activities, such as walking and going to the gym, and volunteer and study in the wider community.