Wairau’s first ‘social salon’ set to open
Wairau is about to welcome an exciting social enterprise, believed to be the first of its kind in Aotearoa. Tauwhiro, a community-focused hair salon and cafe space, will open on Thursday 8 May in central Blenheim.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua Pou Arahi (operations manager) Michelle Lavender says the operation helps connect and empower the community.
“We all know the joy of a good haircut or a great cup of coffee,” she says. “At Tauwhiro, that ‘fresh hair feeling’ is amplified by the power of community.”
Mother's Day gievaway
We’d like people to nominate a mum or deserving person for a tratement, cut, blow-wave and paper pack from Tauwhiro
Enter on our facebook page“Tauwhiro provides free or low-cost services to people that need them - often isolated older people, young mums with limited support, and people who are ready to re-enter the workforce.
“These services are partially funded by Tauwhiro clients, who get the satisfaction of knowing their coffee or their cut and colour is also doing some good in the community.
“It’s a supportive ecosystem that uplifts everyone. It’s our hope that by providing practical services in a friendly environment, we can empower the vulnerable members of our community to live happier, more fulfilled lives.”
Tauwhiro was created in response to Ngāti Rārua research about how to best support socially isolated members of the community. Designed as a community hub, additional service providers can schedule activities within Tauwhiro. This will strengthen the ecosystem to further support for whānau.
“Many vulnerable people – such as older people without close whānau, or young parents without a strong support network - struggle to maintain social connections; even for simple things such as a haircut or a cup of coffee. As a result, their social circle dwindles, and their confidence and wellbeing can be deeply impacted.
“While the services of Tauwhiro are practical - a haircut, a coffee, some kai, some kōrero - the real benefit is the feeling of connection and hope that comes from positive social interactions. By reducing or removing the cost barrier to accessing these services, Tauwhiro can be the first step on a bigger positive journey.
Michelle says Tauwhiro is the first social enterprise of its kind in New Zealand, and the team hopes that the model can be replicated in other areas.
About Tauwhiro
In te reo Māori, Tauwhiro serves both as a verb and a noun, encapsulating the concepts of care, guardianship, and social responsibility. As a verb, it means "to tend" or "to care for," reflecting actions of nurturing and protection. As a noun, it denotes someone dedicated to the well-being of individuals and communities.
Cultural and Spiritual Dimensions
The term Tauwhiro carries deeper cultural and spiritual connotations. It can be interpreted as "to settle the presence of Whiro," where Tau means to settle, and Whiro represents adversity. Thus, a Tauwhiro is someone/ space who brings balance, guiding individuals and whānau towards well-being.
Application in Our Work
At Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua, the principles embodied by Tauwhiro are integral. Our initiatives aim to provide care and support that align with these values, ensuring that our services are culturally grounded and responsive to the needs of our people.
Translation
In English, Tauwhiro translates to "to tend, care for".
