Education Workshops for Schools | Cultivating Trauma-Responsive Environments

Trauma is a lived reality for many tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa New Zealand. By the age of eight, most children have encountered at least one adverse childhood experience, with a significant proportion carrying two or more and roughly one in seven living with three or more (Te Pou, 2025). These traumatic experiences often influence the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi, impacting their learning and development. Understanding the nature of trauma, along with principles and practices for a trauma-responsive approach, enhances the abilities of teachers and leaders to make a positive difference in the lives of ākonga who have experienced trauma.

This workshop introduces educators to the realities of trauma experienced by many tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa and explores how trauma-responsive approaches can support their learning, wellbeing, and development.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify what trauma is and what it might look like with tamariki and rangatahi

2. Explain bicultural principles of a trauma-responsive approach in educational contexts

3. Draw upon a kete of needs-based practices to cultivate trauma-responsive environments

This workshop is delivered through an in-person workshop 

What’s Included:

- Morning tea provided 

- Toolkit: Downloadable resources including trauma-responsive principles and practices

- Collaborative learning activities to develop context-specific practice