Supporting Whanau through Domestic Viloence

As a provider of services, Maketu Health & Social Services recognized the growing numbers of whanau conflict/violence and for whanau who were wanting to make changes access to services was near impossible as they were based in Tauranga.  A result of this was that as an organization we would pursue having programs delivered locally.  


Maketu Health & Social Services was successful in gaining Ministry of Justice Accreditation in December 2010 for the provision of Tikanga Male Respondent and Tikanga Female Protected persons programs. During the process of gaining accreditation the organization accepted that we did not want to be working in this field  in isolation and so began exploring relationships that would beneficial for supporting the kaupapa.  We undertook a process of engaging in relationships at a regional and national level and became members of Jigsaw (Formally CAPS Child Abuse Prevention Services) and Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga – National Network of Stopping Violence.  As an organization both national agencies provided us with support in Best Practice, advocacy and lobbying policy – our voice could feed into the bigger picture.


In November 2011 Jigsaw held its annual conference in Wellington, which was informative, inspiring and well received from all who attended.  At the conclusion of the conference the Annual General Meeting was held and new Board members were elected.  Maketu Health & Social Services is pleased to announce that Tumuaki Tasha Knight was nominated for the Maori caucus  on the board and was successful.  At a local level we are certain that her appointment to the Board will provide our local community and region with more information in leading the social change against child abuse and family violence.


So what’s Jigsaw about?


Jigsaw Family Services is founded on the legacy of a small group of networked local community agencies established in 1983 and called Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS) NZ. In 2006, CAPS was re-branded to become Jigsaw. Since then, this community based network of independent local agencies has over doubled in size, become much more culturally diverse and has built a strong reputation for professionalism, integrity, best practice and innovation. While Jigsaw’s main focus continues to be the prevention of child abuse, neglect and family violence, they have strongly demonstrated commitment to helping families flourish, so that they can provide the safe and nurturing environment their children need, to reach their full potential.


Jigsaw stands for:

• thriving children
• dads being the best they can be within their families
• mums being supported to be the best they can be
• families that flourish

Jigsaw stands against:

• child abuse and neglect
• violence towards women and
• all forms of violence within the home.

You can find out more information about Jigsaw by accessing there website www.jigsaw.org.nz