Mauri Tui Tuia - Creative Therapies NZ

08/09/2026

This Child Safeguarding Week, we stand alongside the community in promoting the safety and wellbeing of children. Together, we raise awareness, strengthen safeguarding practices, and create spaces where children can thrive.

Child Safeguarding Week: 7 - 13 September, 2026

06/09/2026

Catch our keynote next Saturday, at Music Therapy New Zealand annual music therapy conference: Te Poutama Hononga - Weaving Connections. 😍

Details:
Location: Auckland - Grafton Campus; University of Auckland
Date: 12-13th September 2026
Registration: via Music Therapy NZ’s website

We’re presenting: Mauri Tui Tuia: Creative Therapies in Collaboration

This keynote speaks to music therapists as allied health professionals working in education and community contexts, asking what becomes possible when music therapy is positioned within a collective model of practice. As one of the few organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand to formally umbrella music therapy, dance movement therapy, and arts therapy within a single service model, we have seen the strengths of advocating collectively while enhancing each professional creative therapy strand as distinct yet relational. Underpinning our professional differences is a shared kaupapa of creative trauma‑informed care, cultural responsiveness, community partnership, and equity of access for whānau.

Our keynote is on Saturday morning - looking forward to seeing friends and colleagues there! Baby may or may not be in tow 😆

04/09/2026

Introducing Nina Pagèt – Courses & Communications Coordinator (Te Tai Tokerau)

Based in Te Tai Tokerau, Nina is our Courses & Communications Coordinator, supporting Mauri Tui Tuia's training, events, and communications.

With a background in community development, administration, and event coordination, Nina loves bringing people together and helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. She is passionate about creating welcoming experiences and supporting the wellbeing of tamariki, whānau, and kaiako.

We're so pleased to have Nina as part of the Mauri Tui Tuia team. Nau mai, haere mai Nina! 🌼💖

02/09/2026

Stretch, sway, hide, peek, connect.💛 Our wonderful Dance Movement Therapists recently offered workshops at our conference, sharing creative ways lycra can be used to support tamariki.

Lycra invites a gentle sense of containment and resistance, helping younger tamariki explore movement, body awareness, sensory regulation, and connection, all while leaving plenty of room for imagination and fun.

Every child engages differently. More than the tool itself, the key is the relationship, creating a safe space, following the child's lead, and introducing experiences gradually so they can engage at their own pace.

✨ Have you used lycra in your kura or centre? We'd love to hear what your favourite lycra activities are and how tamariki have engaged with it.

Want to learn more or explore resources? Visit our website via link in bio.🌿

28/08/2026

Ngā mihi nui to all the amazing kaiako who joined us at the Calm Connection & Creativity Conference in Whangārei 💛

We're also sharing some beautiful feedback from the day and one of them is a simple tool you can use immediately in your ECE mahi:

🤲Place a hand on your chest
🌬️Take a slow breath
✨Reconnect with yourself

Looking for more practical tools and resources? Head to the link in our bio to access our online course.

25/08/2026

✨Introducing Lucy Kelly - Registered Music Therapist (Ōtautahi)

Based in Ōtautahi, Lucy is a Registered Music Therapist with a passion for supporting babies, infants, tamariki, and their whānau. Her expertise lies in fostering secure attachment in the early stages of life, as well as working alongside children and families who have experienced trauma.

Lucy adopts a holistic and trauma-informed approach, believing in the unique ability of music to reach beyond words and create opportunities for connection, healing, and growth. Through melody, rhythm, and play, she creates nurturing spaces that support self-expression, nervous system regulation, and shared joy.

A warm welcome to Lucy. We're delighted to have you on the team! 🧡🥰

21/08/2026

✨Introducing Hanno - Music Therapist (Te Tai Tokerau)

Based in Te Tai Tokerau, Hanno is a Music Therapist working alongside tamariki and rangatahi across the Far North. He is passionate about connection, community, and creating safe, supportive spaces where young people can explore, express, and grow through music.

Hanno's practice is grounded in a person-centred, neuroaffirming, and strengths-focused approach. He meets each young person where they are, using music to support self-expression, emotional regulation, and a deeper sense of connection to themselves and others.

Bringing warmth, curiosity, and creativity into every session, Hanno offers experiences that are engaging, playful, and gently transformative.

We're thrilled to have you on board, Hanno. Welcome to the team!🎵💚✨

18/08/2026

What an incredible day of learning, connection, and inspiration!✨

Our recent conference focused on:
🌱 Co-regulation in early learning
💛 Kaiako wellbeing
🌈 Supporting tamariki with additional learning needs
🎨 Practical, creative strategies for inclusive environments

We're grateful for every conversation, every idea shared, and every kaiako who contributed their voice, movement, and experience. Together, we're creating positive ripples that extend far beyond the conference room.

Visit our website for more info and resources! Link in bio.

10/08/2026

✨ Introducing Alex Reelick - Registered Creative Arts Therapist (Tāmaki Makaurau)

Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Alex is a Registered Creative Arts Therapist specialising in Dance Movement Therapy. With a background in Psychology and years of experience as a dance teacher and movement specialist, she is passionate about supporting children and young people in schools and neurodiverse communities.

Alex uses movement, creative expression, play, and connection to support wellbeing, guided by a client-centred, strengths-based, and neuro-affirming approach.

We're so excited to have Alex join the Mauri Tui Tuia team and support our schools and communities. Nau mai, haere mai Alex! 💙

13/07/2026

We love the mahi we get to do with our ECE kaiako. Our recent conference day meant that ECE teams could travel from rural areas to attend a full day of creative PD thanks to MOE SELO funding - enhancing our ECE workforce and supporting our tamariki through creative inclusive practice

About 100 teachers were taught dance, art and music therapy to support calm classrooms.