Neurodiversity 101! - Navigating Neurodivergence

Come along to learn what you really need to know about neurodiversity, and learn about resources to support your family.

Hosted by Te Mahau, What Ever and Woven Whānau

What is Te Mahau and what do they do?

Te Mahau is part of the Ministry of Education in Aotearoa New Zealand. It was set up in 2021 to help make sure schools, kura, and early learning services get the support they need—right when and where they need it.

The name Te Mahau means "the front porch of the whare (house)." It’s all about being open, welcoming, and close to the people they serve.

Te Mahau works to support tamariki (children), teachers, schools, and communities in a more local and personal way. It has a few main teams:

• Regional Offices – These are based across three areas: North (Te Tai Raro), Central (Te Tai Whenua), and South (Te Tai Runga). They’re on the ground, working directly with schools and early learning centres to help them thrive.

• Te Poutāhū | The Curriculum Centre – This team looks after the New Zealand curriculum. They design and develop learning resources to support teachers, students, and whānau.

• Te Pae Aronui | Operations and Integration – This group makes sure everything runs smoothly across the system. They connect the dots so services and support are easy to access and work well together.

The people who work at Te Mahau—called kaimahi—are passionate about helping schools and learning communities succeed. They work closely with educators and families to make sure every learner gets the best chance to succeed.

What is What Ever – The Youth Health Place?

What Ever (also known as Whatever Whanganui) is a free and welcoming health and wellbeing space just for young people aged 10 to 24. It’s been around since 1991 and is one of the longest-running youth health centres in Aotearoa!

Located right in Whanganui, it’s a place where rangatahi (young people) can come for support with anything from medical stuff to mental health, or even just a safe space to talk things through. The vibe is friendly, inclusive, and all about helping you feel your best.

The team includes kind and down-to-earth nurses, counsellors, a doctor, a social worker, and admin staff. Everyone’s goal is to make sure young people feel safe, supported, and heard.

If you want to book with them or ask a question, you can call them on 06 348 9935 or head to whatever.org.nz

What is Woven Whānau

Woven Whānau is a vibrant community initiative based in Whanganui, New Zealand, dedicated to empowering parents and grandparents in their parenting journeys. Their mission is to cultivate strong, confident families by fostering connections among caregivers and providing a supportive network for shared experiences and growth. ​

They have Parent Spaces, Grandparent Support, Community Events, Home Visits and Parenting Courses: Providing educational sessions and guest speakers to equip parents, grandparents and the community with valuable skills and knowledge.

By weaving together the strengths and experiences of caregivers, Woven Whānau builds resilient families and a connected community where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.

Find out more at wovenwhanau.org.nz

Contact details

Rosie McMenamin- 027 381 9509
rosie@whatever.org.nz

Beth L. Savage- 021 384 255
office@wovenwhanau.org.nz

Venue

Cancer Society Building

3 Koromiko Road, Gonville, Whanganui 4501, New Zealand