Whānau Connection
Strong whānau ties uplift our wellbeing.
Find tools, services, and resources to grow closer with those who matter most.
What is whānau connection?
Whānau connection is about more than just family –
it’s about feeling safe, seen, and supported.
It includes not just your blood relatives, but also your chosen family, your people, and your community.
You decide who your whānau is.
Strengthening these relationships can uplift your mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
Whether it’s your parents, siblings, extended aiga, chosen family, or caregivers –
nurturing these bonds builds a strong foundation of love, trust, and belonging.
This space is for anyone wanting to heal, reconnect, or simply grow closer to their whānau.
Whether you're navigating conflict, parenting challenges, grief, or distance, you’ll find tools here to guide your journey.
What you will find on this page
Books
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Apps
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Podcasts
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Videos
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Services
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Books ~ Apps ~ Podcasts ~ Videos ~ Services ~
How to use this page
Welcome to click the link for any resource to find more information and on that page, click “Add to My Toolkit” on any resource that feels right for you. When you’re ready, we’ll send you a personalised bundle with all the links straight to your inbox. Easy, free, and made just for you. Explore by resource type whether thats services, books,
⚠️ Disclaimer
Big Tings provides this directory for informational purposes only. While we aim to keep details accurate, we encourage you to check directly with services. View our Resource Library Policy for more info.
Explore by Resource Type
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👨👩👧 Group-based parenting programmes for different age stages.
🧠 Focus on connection, boundaries, and child development.
👉 Find more info -
🧭 Support workers who walk alongside whānau to create a personalised wellness plan.
🌱 Culturally grounded and strength-based.
👉 Find more info -
💬 Free mental health and wellbeing support available at your GP or community centre.
🧠 Focused on easy access, no referral needed, and tailored to your needs.
👉 Find more info
Māori
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🧘🏾♀️ Holistic hauora services for Māori and Pasifika whānau including rongoā Māori, mental health, GP, and whānau support.
👉 Find more info -
🌱 Wraparound support for young Māori and Pasifika parents under 25 in Tāmaki Makaurau.
🤰🏽 Offers kaupapa Māori, whānau-led care including parenting, housing, education, and health navigation.
👉 Find more info -
🏠 Community-based hub offering practical and emotional support to strengthen whānau in West Auckland.
🧡 Provides social work, counselling, parenting support, and access to essential services.
👉 Find more info
Books
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Philippa Perry
💬 A gentle, insightful guide to improving communication, healing family wounds, and breaking unhealthy cycles.
👉 Find more info -
Jenny Lee-Morgan & Leonie Pihama
🌿 A kaupapa Māori approach to parenting and whānau connection, centred in identity, values, and collective care.
👉 Find more info -
Mark Wolynn
🧬 A powerful resource on understanding and healing intergenerational trauma within families.
👉 Find more info
Tamariki
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👨👩👧 National organisation supporting children and whānau with early learning, counselling, and family support services.
🧡 Provides parenting programmes, social work, child safety advocacy, and nationwide helpline access.
👉 Find more info -
🧒 Holistic health and wellbeing services for tamariki and their whānau in the Mataatua rohe.
🩺 Provides immunisations, Well Child checks, nutrition support, and access to wider whānau health services.
👉 Find more info -
🌱 Strength-based support for tamariki and whānau to thrive through education, parenting programmes, and home-based care.
🏡 Offers early childhood services, whānau support, and culturally grounded parenting resources.
👉 Find more info
Whaiora
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Establish daily or weekly habits that involve connecting with your environment, such as morning walks, mindfulness practices, or family gatherings that celebrate nature and wellness.
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Designate a specific area for creativity and self-expression, whether it's for art, writing, or other hobbies. This space should inspire you and allow for personal reflection and growth.
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Create a gratitude corner in your home where you can display notes or drawings that remind you of the things you are thankful for, fostering a positive mindset.
Services
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🧔 Empowering fathers to strengthen family relationships and lead with purpose.
🧠 Offers workshops, mentoring, and resources to support positive fatherhood and whānau wellbeing.
👉 Find more info -
👨👩👧👦 Supporting whānau in South Auckland with parenting, early childhood, and social services.
💛 Provides in-home support, family start programmes, and specialist services for young parents and vulnerable families.
👉 Find more info -
🧠 Mental health support for families and whānau of people experiencing mental distress.
💬 Offers peer support, education, advocacy, and connection to help whānau navigate their loved one’s mental health journey.
👉 Find more info -
🏡 Whānau-centred support service focused on preventing homelessness and supporting family stability.
🤝 Works alongside whānau to strengthen relationships, improve wellbeing, and achieve long-term goals.
👉 Find more info
Pasifika
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🧠 Empowering Pasifika youth and families through sexual health, identity, and relationships education.
👉 Find more info -
🤝 Culturally anchored suicide prevention workshops for Pasifika communities.
💬 Includes whānau engagement tools.
👉 Find more info -
🏡 Wraparound social and housing services for Pasifika families in Auckland.
🧠 Offers counselling, budgeting, family support, and youth mentoring.
👉 Find more info
Resources
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🧘♀️ Offers practical guides, workbooks, and toolkits to support emotional wellbeing, mindfulness, and family connection.
💛 Focuses on cultivating compassion, wisdom, and resilience across all ages—available as free downloadable PDFs.
👉 Find more info -
📱 Curated list of recommended digital tools to support parenting, time management, mental wellbeing, and grief care.
🧡 Designed especially for overwhelmed caregivers navigating stress, loss, or parenting alone.
👉 Find more info -
📲 A selection of helpful parenting apps to support emotional wellbeing, routine-building, and family connection.
💡 Includes calming tools, sleep support, and positive parenting resources—all reviewed by NZ-based wellbeing experts.
👉 Find more info
Rangatahi
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🌿 Wellbeing-focused wraparound support including mentoring, school support, and therapeutic interventions.
👉 Find more info -
Designate a specific area for creativity and self-expression, whether it's for art, writing, or other hobbies. This space should inspire you and allow for personal reflection and growth.
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Create a gratitude corner in your home where you can display notes or drawings that remind you of the things you are thankful for, fostering a positive mindset.
Professionals
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Establish daily or weekly habits that involve connecting with your environment, such as morning walks, mindfulness practices, or family gatherings that celebrate nature and wellness.
-
Designate a specific area for creativity and self-expression, whether it's for art, writing, or other hobbies. This space should inspire you and allow for personal reflection and growth.
-
Create a gratitude corner in your home where you can display notes or drawings that remind you of the things you are thankful for, fostering a positive mindset.
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🤝 Strength-based support for families of people living with mental health challenges.
📘 Offers education, advocacy, and one-on-one support to help whānau build resilience and understanding.
👉 Find more info -
🕊️ Supports young parents and their tamariki through residential parenting programmes.
🏡 Provides safe housing, life skills, parenting support, and advocacy to help young families thrive.
👉 Find more info -
👨👩👧 Holistic support for families navigating mental health and disability challenges.
💬 Provides tailored plans, cultural support, and advocacy to strengthen whānau wellbeing and connection.
👉 Find more info
Cultural
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🌏 Culturally appropriate counselling and support services for Asian individuals and families in Aotearoa.
💬 Offers in-language mental health support, family services, and community programmes.
👉 Find more info -
🌐 Inclusive support for whānau of people with disabilities, offering culturally responsive services.
🤲 Provides navigation, advocacy, and connection to resources tailored to family needs and values.
👉 Find more info -
🌏 Community-based support for ethnic minority families across Aotearoa.
🧭 Offers counselling, parenting support, youth programmes, and family violence prevention with cultural understanding.
👉 Find more info
Podcasts
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🛋️ Real, unfiltered kōrero with experts and parents on navigating parenting highs and lows with honesty and care.
💬 Covers everything from attachment to discipline and mental wellbeing.
👉 Find more info -
Bethany Webster
🩹 A deeply reflective podcast exploring how early emotional wounds—especially with caregivers—impact adult relationships and parenting.
🌿 Focused on self-awareness, inner child work, and breaking cycles.
👉 Find more info -
Brené Brown
🧠 Thought-provoking conversations on vulnerability, trauma, parenting, and leadership.
🌍 Features guests like Dr. Gabor Maté and Tarana Burke to explore how we heal, connect, and grow.
👉 Find more info
Whānau
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📞 National helpline and counselling support for parents needing guidance with child behaviour and parenting stress.
👉 Find more info -
Designate a specific area for creativity and self-expression, whether it's for art, writing, or other hobbies. This space should inspire you and allow for personal reflection and growth.
-
Create a gratitude corner in your home where you can display notes or drawings that remind you of the things you are thankful for, fostering a positive mindset.
Other
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Establish daily or weekly habits that involve connecting with your environment, such as morning walks, mindfulness practices, or family gatherings that celebrate nature and wellness.
-
Designate a specific area for creativity and self-expression, whether it's for art, writing, or other hobbies. This space should inspire you and allow for personal reflection and growth.
-
Create a gratitude corner in your home where you can display notes or drawings that remind you of the things you are thankful for, fostering a positive mindset.