Whānau Friendly Space (Host) FAQs
What is He Wāhi Haumaru?
He wāhi haumaru means ‘a safe and caring space’ in te reo Māori. It embodies our vision of creating nurturing environments where whānau feel comfortable and supported in their breastfeeding and infant feeding journeys.
Our tohu, inspired by the harakeke (flax) plant, symbolises the interconnectedness of whānau across generations. The rito (centre shoot) represents pēpi, surrounded by awhi rito (parents) and outer leaves (tūpuna). This concept of te pā harakeke emphasises collective wellbeing and the importance of nurturing our tamariki. He wāhi haumaru spaces embrace this wisdom, fostering communities where breastfeeding and other forms of nourishing our pēpi are valued and supported.
Remember, it takes a whānau to feed a pēpi.
You’ve got this, we’ve got you.
Kei a koe tēnei. Kei a mātou koe hoki.
How do I become a Whānau Friendly Space?
Commitment to He Wāhi Haumaru terms
In order for this initiative to be a true reflection of He Wāhi Haumaru (a safe and supportive space), some criteria must be met in order for an establishment to display the tohu (logo) and be put on the nationwide directory. We ask you to kindly indicate your ongoing commitment to creating a safe space by:
- Empowering your staff/team by initiating a conversation about how they can play a crucial role in providing a safe space for parents.
- Speak to your staff/team about being inclusive of any person and however they would like to feed their pēpi (baby), including breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
- Be welcoming of parents in your business/community space.
- Support any customer if you witness anyone harassing them due to them breastfeeding.
- Consider creating breastfeeding-friendly spaces in your business/community space. This can be as simple as providing comfortable seating in a quiet area with room for a pram or adding a change table.
- Be welcoming of LGBTQIA+ parents and their whānau.
Our tohu is freely available for download on our website. By displaying it, you’re committing to creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding whānau. Remember, this is about fostering a welcoming attitude rather than meeting strict criteria.
If this sounds like you, register your interest and your local tuakana will be in touch to support and provide the tohu.
What support will I receive to become a Whānau Friendly Space?
We want to make it as easy as possible to create He Wāhi Haumaru whānau friendly spaces, we’re here to support you. We have adopted a tuakana-teina model to ensure ongoing support from local health promoters who will take on the tuakana role. Additionally, on our website, you’ll find:
- Resources and guides on creating breastfeeding friendly spaces.
- Tips for staff training and customer service best practices.
- Informational posters and materials to display in your space.
- Our tohu in various formats for different applications.
- FAQs addressing common concerns and situations.
We want to help you create safe and supportive spaces for breastfeeding whānau. If you need additional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local health promoter/tuakana. Together, we can create a network of safe, caring spaces across Aotearoa.
After accreditation as a Whānau Friendly Space, what do I need to do?
Once you’ve committed to being a He Wāhi Haumaru whānau friendly space:
- Regularly remind kaimahi (staff) about your commitment to supporting infant feeding.
- Ensure the tohu remains visible and in good condition.
- Maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for breast/chestfeeding whānau.
- Address any concerns or feedback promptly and compassionately.
- Stay connected with He Wāhi Haumaru for updates and new resources.
- Share your positive experiences to inspire others.
Remember, being a whānau friendly space is an ongoing commitment. By consistently providing a supportive environment, you’re contributing to the wellbeing of pēpi and whānau in your community.
How big are the He Wāhi Haumaru stickers?
Sizes tbc
Whether you’re looking to create a small window decal or a larger poster, you can download and resize the tohu as appropriate for your space.
When displaying the tohu, ensure it’s clearly visible to visitors. Think about putting it at eye level near entrances or in areas where breast/chestfeeding is likely to happen. Try and make it easy to see, show your commitment to providing a safe, supportive environment for breast/chestfeeding whānau. When displaying the tohu, ensure it’s clearly visible to visitors. Think about putting it at eye level near entrances or in areas where breast/chestfeeding is likely to happen. Try and make it easy to see, show your commitment to providing a safe, supportive environment for breast/chestfeeding whānau.
What is a tuakana-teina model?
A tuakana-teina relationship in modern times is a way of describing a nurturing teacher-learner relationship, or fondly referred to as a ‘buddy’ relationship. 1
More formally in Te Ao Māori, the term tuakana refers to an older (more knowledgeable/experienced) cousin, sister or brother, whereas the term Teina, refers to a younger sister, brother, or cousin of the same gender. 2 Usage of the tuakana-teina relationship acknowledges that these roles can switch at any time in the context of any topic.
In He Wāhi Haumaru, we refer to our local champions of infant feeding as tuākana, and you, the establishments signing on, as tēina. This is to acknowledge the journey we will go on together in the hopes that your local tuakana can help and guide you to supporting our whānau in your space.
Who do I contact if I have a question about He Wāhi Haumaru?
For infant feeding support, please visit our Facebook or Instagram communities, where you can connect with other whānau and access resources. Remember, you’re not alone – we’re here to support you every step of the way.
For questions about He Wāhi Haumaru, you can:
- Email us at kiaora@hewahihaumaru.org.nz
- Get in touch via the Breastfeeding NZ Instagram and Facebook pages
Local health promoters/tuākana are also available to assist with breastfeeding support and information in your area.
- Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga (Ministry of Education). 2009. Te Aho Arataki Marau mō te Ako i Te Reo Māori – Kura Auraki (Curriculum Guidelines for Teaching and Learning Te Reo Māori in English-medium Schools: Years 1-13). Ngā āhuatanga o te whakarite hōtaka, Ako, Tuakana Teina, Page 28. ↩︎
- Te Aka Māori Dictionary. Tuakana, Teina, Tuākana, Tēina.
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