WIREMU NIANIA

In 2000, Wiremu began studying Mental Health with Indigenous Training and Consultants and was then employed on the Maori cultural therapy and assessment team at the mental health services in Gisborne. He completed his training in Oranga Hinengaro with Te Wananga o Raukawa and in early 2005, he moved to Porirua to take up a position as the cultural therapist at Te Whare Marie, Specialist Maori mental health service at Capital Coast District Health Board, where he remained until 2010. During this time he demonstrated his unique approach to mental health problems and spiritual distress and his role as cultural therapist became integral to the team.