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New name and website for ³ܰ

30 September 2021
³ܰ, formerly Werry Workforce ³ܰ, is completely embracing its Māori name with a new website, URL and social media handles.

, a UniServices business unit, has its roots in the Werry Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, which was launched in 2003. In 2016, ‘Werry Workforce ³ܰ’ emerged as a separate workforce arm of the once combined workforce, research and teaching entity that made up the original Werry Centre.

The name ³ܰ was gifted by the Northern Regional Iwi Leaders Forum. ‘³ܰ’ is an early Māori term for small temporary transportable huts to shelter gatherers of tītī - the muttonbird. ³ܰ were constructed by using locally available resources such as mānuka, nīkau, harakeke, etc

³ܰ provided shelter and support for the workers, the hunters and those plucking and preparing the birds. In the same way, ³ܰ moves about the country providing training and support to the workforce.

 was a key part of gifting the name ³ܰ. Rāwiri was kaumātua for ³ܰ from 2003 until his passing in June 2021. He had extensive experience in the Child and Youth Mental Health field. Under the guidance of Matua Rāwiri, the ³ܰ team was able to ensure all projects embraced principles and values of the Tiriti ō Waitangi and Whānau Ora, to maintain strong alignment with Māori Models of Care and approaches to wellbeing – something we continue to strive to do.

Now, in memory of Matua Rāwiri, we are fully embracing our name, ³ܰ. Our new website is . Not only has the URL changed, the site features many updates and easier-to-navigate functions. The organisation’s Facebook and Twitter handles will also change to @wharaurau. 

There have been other major changes at ³ܰ lately. Director Sue Dashfield has been seconded to the Ministry of Health as programme director, Health Workforce, in the Mental Health and Addiction Directorate. Abigail Milnes has been named as ³ܰ acting director.

³ܰ also moved its head office recently to more spacious premises on City Road. The team had just two days to enjoy its new offices before the Level 4 lockdown was declared. However, the team is looking forward to an eventual return.

What remains unchanged is the work of ³ܰ as a national centre for infant, child and youth mental health workforce development. Events are continuing online and resources continue to be updated regularly. To learn more, visit the or