Tūturu supports rangatahi wellbeing in Tairāwhiti schools

Alcohol and other drugs are part of the world young people are growing up in. For schools, the challenge is not only how to respond when concerns arise, but how to support rangatahi with the knowledge, confidence and care they need before harm escalates. 

That is where Tūturu comes in. 

Tūturu is a uniquely Aotearoa approach to student wellbeing, led by the New Zealand Drug Foundation and delivered in Tairāwhiti in partnership with Pinnacle Midlands Health Network. Supported by Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Education and NZ Police, the programme works alongside secondary schools to bring education and health expertise together, to reduce alcohol and other drug (AOD) harm and support schools to respond to complex wellbeing needs. 

In Tairāwhiti, the Pinnacle Midlands Health Network team is lined up to work alongside five local secondary schools as part of the Tūturu programme. Pinnacle’s role is to work directly with schools and health services to deliver the programme locally, ensuring it reflects the needs and strengths of Tairāwhiti secondary schools and their communities. 

Kim Te Riini has joined the team as Senior Tūturu Lead, moving from her previous role as Diabetes Community Coordinator. Recently, Kim attended a Tūturu Leads Hui in Tāmaki Makaurau with others involved in the hub, and heard from influential keynote speakers who shared insights into the kaupapa, and the evolving direction of Tūturu across Aotearoa 

The two‑day hui was a valuable opportunity for the team to meet kanohi ki te kanohi. It created space for whakawhanaungatanga, offered insight into Tūturu whakapapa, and provided time to share and explore data and share reflections on how Tūturu is being delivered across different locations in Aotearoa. The hui also included real‑time training and interactive sessions, giving us the chance to practise tools and approaches as a collective, learn from each other in the moment, and strengthen our shared capability across the motu. 

Kim says joining the programme and attending the hui has reinforced the importance of the mahi ahead. 

“I’m brand new in the role and already feeling inspired after spending that time with the Tūturu team,” she says. 

“It was the first time bringing the team together under one roof for two full days at the Tūturu Leads Hui, and the energy, clarity and shared commitment across the motu was powerful. 

“Although it’s no small task, I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve together for our rangatahi and the school communities we each engage with across Aotearoa.” 

A key part of Tūturu is helping schools move from a punitive response to a more pastoral one. When a young person is using alcohol or other drugs, or showing signs they may be struggling, the programme encourages schools and services to look at what may be going on for that young person, what support they need and who needs to be involved. 

That does not mean there are no boundaries or expectations. It means the response is focused on connection, early support and reducing harm. 

In practice, Tūturu supports schools to look at the systems around rangatahi, not only the behaviour in front of them. That includes reviewing alcohol and other drug policies, strengthening pastoral care pathways, building links with local health and social services, and supporting staff to respond confidently when concerns arise. 

The programme also includes curriculum resources for Years 9–13, helping rangatahi build critical thinking skills and make informed decisions about alcohol, drugs and other complex issues they may encounter. 

Through Tūturu, Kim and the wider Tairāwhiti team will continue working with participating schools and local partners to support practical, mana-enhancing responses for rangatahi. 

We look forward to sharing more as the mahi develops.