De-escalating Conflict - A Kaupapa Māori Approach

Bridging the Gap from Hesitation To Tikanga Led Practice

Delivered by TeWhetu Dewes

Online, delivered via ZOOM

DATE 24 June, 9am - 12.30pm

In 2026, leading or being a part of a team in Aotearoa means more than just hitting KPI’s - it’s about manaakitanga (generosity, kindness, hospitality and support), connection and culture.

Conflict is an inevitable part of working with people - but how we respond to it determines whether or not it becomes a source of harm or an opportunity for growth.

This workshop invites participants to use a Te Āo Māori (Māori worldview) approach when dealing with and de-escalating conflict in the workplace - one that prioritizes dignity, connection and collective well-being, alongside productivity and performance. At the heart of this mahi (work) is the Te Ao Māori (Māori world view) concept of mana - our inherent dignity, strength and self-worth - and the understanding that conflict often arises when mana is threatened, diminished or misunderstood.

Participants will take away practical tools grounded in tikanga me ona kaupapa Māori (Māori customs and values) that will empower them to navigate challenging conversations, reduce escalation and restore balance in relationships - so teams can move forward with clarity, respect and purpose.

Learning Outcomes

Exploration where the whakaaro (idea/concept) of mana (strength, dignity) becomes practical, courageous and transformational.
Mana enhancing approaches to de-escalating conflict where all parties leave with their mana (self-worth, strength, dignity) restored and intact.
Participants will be able to apply kaupapa Māori principles alongside neuro-linguistic programming techniques to effectively de-escalate conflict.
Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how their relationship with self including their thoughts, emotions and values influences the quality of their relationships and responses to conflict.

This workshop has a strong Māori kaupapa/theme and will be delivered in English. Any Te Reo Māori kupu/words used in the workshop will be translated.

Who Should Attend

Disability service providers, caregivers, educators, allied professionals, support workers, leaders, and anyone working alongside disabled children, youth, and adults who wants to:

Reduce harm and re-traumatisation
Deepen relational safety and trust
Uphold rights and mana
Respond, not react to distressed behaviours with confidence and compassion
Align interactions and professional practice with relational neuroscience, trauma informed principles, disability rights and Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles

This workshops is worth 20 points/6.5 hours CPD

Book Now 18 June

About the presenter:

Frian Wadia MNZM - NATINA

Frian Wadia MNZM is a passionate advocate, educator and community champion committed to improving outcomes for disabled children, young people and adults in Aotearoa. She brings over two decades of lived and professional experience in disability, shaped profoundly as a parent of three children with support needs, navigating education, health and support systems alongside them.

Frian’s work and advocacy is strongly focused on inclusion and equity for disabled, neurodivergent and other disadvantaged children and their families, through the adoption of disability rights, relational neuroscience, and trauma informed principles.

Her facilitation style combines clarity, warmth and courageous honesty — inviting reflection while offering concrete strategies that reduce harm and strengthen the mana of the individual.

Frian is deeply committed to collective learning and systemic improvement.

Above all, Frian brings humanity to her work — combining lived experience, professional expertise and unwavering belief in the inherent dignity and potential of every disabled person.

Date: Thursday 18 June

9am - 3.30pm

Online workshop, delivered via ZOOM

Book Now 18 June

Price & Registration Information

Online workshop
Standard: $350.00 per person including GST

Payment online is by Debit or Credit Card: VISA, Mastercard or American Express only and there are 3 easy steps to complete the online booking process.

Upon hitting the blue "Complete Booking" button, you will receive an automated email confirming your registration and you will also be a sent in a separate email a Tax Invoice showing your booking as being paid in full by Credit Card.
This will appear on your statement as from LIL REGIE LTD WELLINGTON, our NZ based booking agent.

If you have any issues or questions about your booking, please contact Nathalie van Dort: nathalie@grow.co.nz or ph: 021 066 9811

Can't pay online and require an invoice?

We work hard to ensure that all workshops are cost effective by automating our systems. If your organisation requires an invoice (rather than paying by debit or credit card) there will be a $25.00 inc GST surcharge for this, and you will need to supply:

The full name and postal address required to appear on the invoice.
The contact name and email of the person(s) responsible for authorising this expense and approving payment.
Any purchase order references required on vendor invoices.

Please email nathalie@grow.co.nz if you would like to reserve a place, as our workshops fill quickly.

What happens if you have to cancel?

We know that sometimes your plans can change for many different reasons. Should you be unable to attend, a substitute delegate is welcome to attend at no extra cost. If a substitute delegate is not available and you need to cancel your registration, please be aware of the following:

Up to 7 days prior to the event you will be provided a refund of your registration cost, less a $20.00 inc GST per attendee service charge.

If you cancel within 7 days of the event, you are not eligible to receive a refund. Please note: should your registration not be paid by the time of the event, you are still liable to make the payment. Unpaid accounts may be passed over to our debt collection agency and additional costs may be incurred.

All cancellations must be received in writing via email.

Training is cancellable by GROW with 7 days’ notice if a minimum number of attendees is not met and full refunds will be provided.

Please note: GROW Ltd reserves the right to make any amendments that we may deem to be in the best interest of the forum – it is however very unlikely and we will notify you as soon as possible should this occur.

For more information see our full Terms of Trade.