Hapu: Ngati Mahuta, Ngati Pou, Tahuriwakanui, Rangitepaia, Kati Huirapa
Tūmanako is a teaching fellow at Waipapa Taumata Rau (Auckland University) and works in the School of Counselling, Human Services, and Social Work. He has over 15 years of experience across the public and private health sectors. This includes working in Kaupapa Māori Mental Health and Youth Forensics services. He strongly advocates for whānau to join health interventions and community programs focusing on better whānau outcomes.
He completed his Master's degree in Applied Indigenous Knowledge and focused on incorporating Māori values such as tikanga, wairua, and whakawhanaungatanga in child mental health services. He now explores how such values can shape social work practices, informed by te ao Māori.
Tūmanako is a part of the St Johns Theological postgraduate team Piri Poho and is under the mentorship of Te Kingi Ihaka Research Centre. He is also a doctoral candidate at Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi.
Tūmanako is a Board Member of Ngā Pou Mana, a National Organisation representing the Māori Allied Health Workforce. Ngā Pou Mana provides a forum for Māori health professionals to discuss Māori health issues with a focus on kaupapa Māori models of practice.
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