MindKiwi: Group Mindfulness Workshop Training Programme for Health and Education Practitioners
with Dr Mairin Rose Taylor (NZ) and Melany Tainui (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu)
Emotion dysregulation and ADHD affect up to 21% of children, with rates rising rapidly in Aotearoa New Zealand. When left unsupported, these challenges can lead to poor academic outcomes, social isolation, anxiety, depression, and increased risk behaviours. Māori children are overrepresented in mental health services, yet many families face wait times of up to two years for specialist support. Without early, culturally appropriate intervention, children struggle to develop the emotional regulation and executive functioning skills essential for wellbeing and success across their lifespan.
MindKiwi is a culturally responsive, evidence-based mindfulness intervention supporting children with ADHD, emotion dysregulation, and neurodivergent learning needs. Co-developed and co-led with Dr Mairin Taylor and mana whenua researchers Mel Tainui (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu) and Dr Kelly Tikao (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu), this programme represents authentic bicultural partnership that centres indigenous knowledge. This interactive workshop trains practitioners to deliver MindKiwi - a 6-week face-to-face group intervention for tamariki with transdiagnostic emotion regulation difficulties and their parents and caregivers.
Why MindKiwi?
MindKiwi stands apart from overseas-developed programmes through its authentic bicultural partnership and specific adaptation for neurodivergent whānau. Under the model of He Awa Whiria, mātauranga Māori and pūrākau (stories) are woven throughout as foundational elements, making it more culturally responsive for Māori and Pacific whānau than international programmes. The whole-of-whānau approach recognises the central role of family systems in supporting children. Pilot studies of MindKiwi demonstrate excellent effects on improving ADHD symptoms, cognitive flexibility, organization, behavior and emotion regulation, and executive functioning. MindKiwi is currently being evaluated in a randomised controlled trial with over 130 children aged 6-10 years to explore the potential additive effects of micronutrients. More details about MindKiwi can be found here: www.mindkiwi.org.nz
This 2-day workshop offers practical, evidence-based strategies to support all tamariki experiencing emotion regulation challenges, particularly neurodivergent learners. It focuses on the dual benefits of a combined child and whānau programme and it’s structured and accessible format may be beneficial to anyone working with tamariki and whānau.
Participants will learn:
- How to deliver joint parent-child sessions that build connection and shared mindfulness practice, including orientation, focusing attention using the five senses, and creative activities that strengthen whānau bonds.
- Emotion regulation techniques including noticing and naming emotions, mindful breathing practices, and strategies for pausing and observing before reacting to support children with strong feelings.
- Mindful movement and body awareness activities adapted for neurodivergent learners, including breath awareness, and mindful visualisation techniques.
- Goal-setting and reflection practices that support families to notice change, set achievable goals, and sustain mindfulness skills beyond the programme.
Please note - this learning opportunity contributes towards cultural competency.
