Takurua Tawera (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa and Tūhourangi) has worked in the addiction sector for 38 years. A dapaanz member since its establishment in 2002, Takurua is a dapaanz registered practitioner and accredited clincial supervisor. He has been the organisation’s Pou Whakarae on the dapaanz Board since 20xx.
In November 2025, he was awarded dapaanz lifetime membership in recognition of his outstanding contribution and ongoing commitment to dapaanz, our sector, Māori workforce development and leadership, matauranga Māori, kaupapa Māori clinical and supervision practice development.
We asked Takurua to share some whakaaro about his time in the addiction sector. Scroll to the bottom to find out more about Takurua’s career.
Ka mua, ka muri | Looking back to move forward
What does being an addiction practitioner mean to you?
“To me, being an addiction practitioner means guiding individuals to understand their relationship with substances, uncover patterns and behaviours, and explore the deeper factors contributing to addiction.
It’s about helping tāngata whaiora gain insight and make healthier, sustainable choices in their recovery. Equally important is how I show up — through self-awareness, emotional calm, and reflective listening — to create a safe, respectful space where they feel truly heard and supported, free from distractions or judgement.”
What changes have you noticed over the course of your career?
“Over the course of my career working in addictions, I have noticed a real shift in how we understand and respond to people who struggle with substance use. Earlier in my career, the focus was often on abstinence and compliance with programmes. While those elements are still important, there is now a deeper understanding that addiction is connected to trauma, mental health, disconnection, and life circumstances.
Approaches such as Motivational Interviewing have helped shift the way we engage with whaiora. Rather than telling people what they need to do, we work alongside them, supporting them to find their own motivation and readiness for change. This approach has strengthened engagement and created more meaningful conversations about recovery.
Working within New Zealand, I have also seen a growing recognition of the importance of culturally grounded practice. Incorporating kaupapa Māori values such as wairua, whānau connection, and whakawhanaungatanga has helped create a more holistic environment where healing is not just about stopping substance use, but about restoring identity, dignity, and connection.
For me, one of the most important changes has been the shift toward more compassionate and person-centred practice. We are increasingly recognising the strengths that people bring with them and supporting them to rebuild their lives in ways that are meaningful to them and their whānau. ”
What do you know now that you wish you’d known earlier in your career?
“It’s okay not knowing everything, I think I talked too much and didn’t have a clue what I was talking about. Silence is a gift.“
Is there anyone you would like to recognise or acknowledge who may have had a big impact on your career?
“There are many people who have influenced and supported my journey, and I acknowledge them with gratitude. However, I would especially like to recognise those who are no longer with us and the lasting impact they have had on me.
In particular, I honour the contributions of Nau Epiha, Ngāmaru Raerino, and Te Orohi Paul. Their leadership and pioneering work in developing Te Ao Māori frameworks have greatly influenced my thinking and practice, and their legacy continues to guide my work in the addiction sector.“
What is one tip, or indispensable tool that you’d recommend to others in the addiction workforce?
“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.”
My strength is not that of a single warrior, but that of many.
“A key tip or indispensable tool for practitioners is to value collaboration and collective wisdom. When practitioners draw on each other’s strengths, clinical knowledge, cultural frameworks such as Te Ao Māori approaches, and lived experience, the people they serve are better supported to move toward wellbeing.“
About Takurua
Takurua Tawera is Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa and Tūhourangi. His cultural experience is rooted in his upbringing on marae, which he asserts has significantly influenced his understanding and enthusiasm for Te Ao Māori.
He has undergone training in psychotherapy and co-occurring disorders from multiple regional training institutes.
Takurua holds important national positions; he currently serves as the Pou Whakarae for dapaanz, is on the National Committee for Addiction Treatment (NCAT) leadership team and he co-chairs Te Kupenga (The National Network for Stopping Violence), as well as advising on key ministry projects concerning Family Harm.
He is presently employed at Te Whare Oranga Ngākau, Manaaki Ora, which is a Kaupapa Māori residential programme focused on alcohol and other drug rehabilitation.
Takurua finds immense happiness in his whānau, particularly in sharing with his mokopuna that he has been 21 for the past decade.