Social change and prevention

Prevention starts with all of us.

We work with schools, families, professionals, and communities to prevent harm before it starts – through education, kōrero, and collective action.

Our Social Change Kaupapa

Education + Advocacy = Impact.

Tautoko Mai’s social change mahi is about more than raising awareness – it’s about changing systems, shifting attitudes, and empowering communities to take action.

Culturally grounded

Neurodiversity-inclusive and accessible

Focused on safety, equity, and empowerment

Programme Areas

Understanding Sexual Violence

Knowledge is the first step. A practical, one-day introductory workshop for professionals and community members who want to update or expand their knowledge of Sexual Violence and its impacts.

Ideal for frontline roles: educators, counsellors, social workers, health workers, community agencies and those working specifically in the sexual violence and family violence sector.


Regular dates or private bookings available for groups of 12 – 30 people

Workshop contents:

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Definition of sexual violence

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Law & Legislation

3

The criminal justice system

4

Prevalence of sexual violence in Aotearoa

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Intersectionality

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Trauma & Healing

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Responding to disclosures

8

Language & Documentation

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Current and future landscapes of sexual violence

Whanaungatanga Ora

Healthy Relationships Programme for People with Neurodiversity or Learning Disabilities.

Free, accessible programmes designed for neurodivergent people or people with learning disabilities – supporting safe, happy relationships and self-worth.


Aligned with the Enabling Good Lives approach, the programme helps participants connect meaningfully with friends, family, and, where appropriate, explore dating. It promotes confidence, inclusion, equality, and self-worth.

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Group of friends laughing and walking together outdoors surrounded by greenery.

Whanaungatanga Ora

Who It's For:

We tailor the programme to suit all cognitive abilities:

Group A

Semi-independent, socially active, exploring friendships and dating.


Group B

Need regular support, learning to communicate and build relationships. 


Group C

High support needs, including non-verbal participants, with caregiver assistance. 

Whanaungatanga Ora

How It Works

1

Delivered by two trained facilitators

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5–6 one-hour sessions over six weeks (flexible to group needs).

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Sessions use visual aids, role play, videos, music, art, sensory tools, and more.

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Fully customised to each group’s communication and learning needs.

Currently offered in high schools and adult disability services across the Bay of Plenty. Funded by Potter Masonic Trust and Tautoko Mai,  free to all eligible individuals and organisations. 

Understanding Sexual Consent

Support starts with understanding.

Join us for a free, two-hour training session specifically designed for people who work in the disability sector. Suitable for support staff workers, managers, and schools working with neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities. We will dive into essential topics like consent law, disclosures, and online safety. Our approach is inclusive, practical, and uses real-world scenarios to help you feel confident in your role.

We Can Keep Safe

Early safety education for tamariki (ages 3 - 5) and their caregivers.

Interactive programme teaching young children personal safety and how to speak up, with full caregiver engagement and resources.

This programme is available across the Bay Of Plenty and helps parents, caregivers, and teachers learn how to; create safe environments for children to speak up, and teaches appropriate bodily autonomy language.

Children take part in five fun and engaging modules that teach personal safety skills in a way that’s right for their age. Using drama, games, songs, role-play, storytelling, and puppets, children learn how to:

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Team member using a teaching doll to help children learn about personal safety and prevention.

We can Keep Safe

Interactive programme

Teaching young children personal safety and how to speak up, with full caregiver engagement and resources.

This programme is available across the Bay Of Plenty and helps parents, caregivers, and teachers learn how to; create safe environments for children to speak up, and teaches appropriate bodily autonomy language.

Children take part in five fun and engaging modules that teach personal safety skills in a way that’s right for their age. Using drama, games, songs, role-play, storytelling, and puppets, children learn how to:

1

Understand what safety means

2

Recognise unsafe situations

3

Say “no” and speak up

4

Know who they can go to for help

5

Build confidence and trust in themselves

Safe & Together Logo
Safe & Together™

Tautoko Mai is partnered with The Safe & Together Institute. 

Building safe systems that serve family and whānau, with an emphasis on keeping the children with the safe parent. This domestic violence informed training focuses on survivor strengths and mapping perpetrator patterns.Suitable for frontline workers, and professionals working with families with children. This training provides practical resources, and creates a shared language across the sector. The 4-day CORE training is part of New Zealand’s Family Violence Essential Level Training Directory.

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1-hour overview / 1-day intro / 4-day CORE

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Certified trainers who can deliver Safe and Together training across New Zealand. 

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Part of NZ’s national training directory

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Essential level – family violence training directory

Safe and Together

Testimonials

Voice Project & Advocacy

We amplify survivor voices and spark dialogue.

From speaking events and campaigns to summit series and system change initiatives, we’re constantly working towards a better future.

Parents and children gathered in conversation, sharing ideas and connection

Visit VOICE Hub

Father and son holding hands while walking together, capturing a moment of connection and care

Partner With Us

Family enjoying each other’s company, sharing laughter and connection

Training & Events Calendar

Contact Us

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