Haʻamo Taha: Tongan Social Workers Network Aotearoa

Abstract

Overview • Puipuituʻa: Why was Haʻamo taha • Kamataʻanga: How did Haʻamo Taha started? • Uhinga: Why the term Haʻamo Taha ? • Tefitoʻi moʻoni: Principles of Haʻamo Taha • Founga: Haʻamo Taha framework • Tefitoʻi ilo: Philosophical underpinnings of Haʻamo Taha • Visone: Haʻamo Taha vision • Taumuʻa: Key objectives • Palani ki he kahaʻu: Topics of interest from the survey & launch

Tongan social work practitioners, graduates, and students overtime continue to express cultural tensions they experience navigating the diverse fields of social work practice. The cultural tensions that are raised amongst social workers involves issues relating to expectations when working with clients and within organizational structures, community, and society. As a result, six passionate Tongan social workers from education, statutory, women’s health, mental health, Non-Government organisation and schools rallied to support the development of a Tongan ethnic-specific network. The authors used anecdotal evidence from talanoa in the community and practice to design an online survey which identified and captured areas of strengths and needs of social work practice amongst Tongan practitioners, students and those who are affiliated with social work type roles. Tongan social workers, students and community workers were invited to participate in the online survey which consisted of 11 questions. Findings highlighted that it is critical to establish a network that offers a safe space for Tongan social workers to come together, share best practice, network, and have courageous talanoa about issues pertaining to their practice. The findings place emphasis of culture as being central to Tongan social work practice. More importantly, that the Tongan values is pivotal in guiding practice for Tongan social workers. This presentation gifts the Haʻamo Taha principles and framework as a tool for collaboration to harness Tongan social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.