The Heart Behind Caring Spirits & Wairua Manaaki

Kia Ora Koutou!

Mā te kōrero, ka mōhio: Mā te mōhio, ka mārama

Some of the most meaningful learning I have experienced has come not from textbooks, lectures, or assignments, but from listening.

• Listening to my mother as she tried to describe the changes she was experiencing.
• Listening to carers carrying both love and exhaustion.
• Listening to whānau navigating uncertainty and change.
• Listening to stories shared quietly within communities and everyday moments.

As I continue my journey through dementia care, I am reminded that knowledge comes in many forms. Formal learning has given me understanding and valuable tools, but lived experience carries a wisdom of its own. Some lessons cannot be found within pages of a book. They are found in relationships, conversations, and the moments where people feel safe enough to share their experiences.

This has become one of the foundations of ‘Caring Spirits & Wairua Manaaki.‘

I never wanted this work to be created based only on my own ideas. I wanted it to grow through listening, relationship-building, and community connection. I wanted carers and whānau to help shape what support could look like in ways that feel meaningful, culturally safe, and responsive to real needs.

As Caring Spirits & Wairua Manaaki continues to grow, I am learning that walking alongside people sometimes begins with simply creating space for voices to be heard.

If this work resonates with you, I warmly invite you to contribute your voice through our community and carer survey. Your experiences and perspectives will help guide the future direction of Caring Spirits & Wairua Manaaki.

Community Survey

Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping Caring Spirits & Wairua Manaaki grow through community voice.

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

Walking alongside carers, honouring Elders, and strengthening spirit.

May we continue to walk alongside one another with compassion, connection, and understanding — honouring each voice and strengthening spirit together.

Arohanui,

Hinemoana Harding
Founder | Caring Spirits & Wairua Manaaki