For many generations, the Utuhina stream has been a source of sustenance, protection and healing to the people of the Ngati Whakaue iwi. Today, the service that carries the name Te Utuhina aspires to serve all people within the Rotorua district and further afield that they might achieve wellbeing, particularly in the face of issues related to alcohol and other drug use.

Māori values inform the approach of our services as we work alongside you and your family/whanau on your recovery journey.

• Community Alcohol and Other Drugs Service
• Kaupapa Māori Residential Alcohol & Other Drug Service
• Waikeria Prison

Free counselling, information and support for anyone affected by alcohol or other drugs.

We provide the following:

• School based counselling and education for rangatahi/youth
• 1:1 and group programs for pakeke/adults
• Assessments under Section 65 of the Land Transport Act (1998)
• Liaison with General Practice to support community withdrawal management
• Assessment and referral to residential treatment options
• 1:1 and group program for family/whānau who have a loved one with an alcohol or other drug issue

Embraced by Ngongotaha maunga (mountain) and overlooking Lake Rotorua, Te Whare Oranga Ngakau is a safe, supportive environment for people to grow their understanding of the issues related to their drug and alcohol use, and then develop and practice better strategies for addressing those issues.

This kaupapa Māori program is suitable for any pakeke/adult who is open to using Māori frameworks and knowledge to develop themselves. Offering a structured 12 week live in program, Te Whare Oranga Ngakau caters well for people with longer histories of complex drug and alcohol misuse with related health, social and/or offending issues.

Residential alcohol and drug treatment works best when:
• You have been alcohol and drug free for a period of time before entering the service. Most people benefit from some structured withdrawal management (detox) before entry.

• You have been an active participant in drug and alcohol counselling – especially group work. Groups are a core part of our delivery and it helps to be prepared for this level of activity.

• You are tobacco free. Te Whare Oranga Ngakau is a smokefree and vapefree environment. We strongly encourage people to talk to their GP about nicotine replacement therapy and working on smoking cessation well before entry.

How to access Te Whare Oranga Ngakau:
There are a number of ways to be referred to the service. We do not accept self-referrals.

• If you live in the Midlands DHB Region (Lakes, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Tairawhiti or Waikato) talk to your community alcohol and drug service (this includes people being seen by a Community Corrections Service in these areas).

• If you are currently serving a prison sentence and are considering options on release, please talk to your Corrections Case Manager.

Drug Treatment Programs are available in a number of prisons across Aotearoa, including Waikeria Prison.

At Waikeria, participants reside within the Karaka Unit where they attend a structured six month program focused on the treatment of alcohol and other drug use while addressing the link between this and the persons offending.  The program provides an opportunity to build social support, and improve communication and relationship skills.

The kaupapa Māori program is a mix of group and 1:1 sessions delivered over two phases.  A more intensive Phase I program is delivered over 12 weeks.  Phase II focuses on the implementation of the new strategies and maintenance of abstinence.

For some who complete the program, a period of longer term follow up by the Aftercare Worker may be appropriate.  In these cases, follow up care may include family/whānau and even community visits.

As a prison based service, referral is via the Corrections Case Managers only.