Family & Whānau Support 

We recognise the ongoing stress that families are under and we will continue to run support sessions for our students and families. We are offering individual support this year to help you support your children’s learning and emotional well-being.


Mana Ake – Stronger for Tomorrow

The Mana Ake team works alongside schools and whānau when they have noticed a concern about a child’s wellbeing or mental health. Help is available for children in primary school years 1-8 across Canterbury.

Parent Appointments – Natasha from Mana Ake is available via phone conversations with parents/whanau under the covid red light setting. Appointments provide parenting support, the opportunity to talk through any issues or to connect whānau to community resources that enhance wellbeing.

Please email leannep@stmartins.school.nz if you would like to make an appointment.

Mana Ake kaimahi (workers) are employed by one of 13 NGO providers and support schools, families and whānau when children are experiencing issues that impact their wellbeing such as managing emotions, friendships and bullying, parental separation and grief and loss.

Kaimahi have a diverse range of skills and include psychologists, social workers, counsellors, teachers and youth workers.

You can talk to your child’s teacher if you think your child would benefit from support from the Mana Ake team.