Muka Whānau Services, previously known as Dove Hawke’s Bay, has been working in the community since 1993, supporting whānau who have experienced family harm.
Our Story
We empower individuals and whānau to develop and strengthen safe, nourishing and violence-free relationships.
The key to Muka’s approach is working collectively with individuals, their whānau and the community to reach sustainable, meaningful solutions. We work with whānau to bring violence to an end while expanding our focus to consider the story behind the violent behaviour and what additional support whānau might need.
We strive to create an environment of love and care, strengthening connections between individuals, whānau and our community. Together we can create a thriving community for all tamariki to grow up feeling safe, supported and loved.
What is Muka?
Muka is the traditional Māori practice of extracting muka, the fine inner fibres of harakeke (flax). This intricate process requires patience, skill, and care, as each strand is carefully separated to reveal the soft yet incredibly strong fibres within.
This is a powerful metaphor for the transformational journeys of those who engage with our services. The process of creating muka reflects the commitment and effort required to strip away harmful behaviours, uncover inner potential, and weave together lives grounded in safety, nourishment, and wellbeing.
