Ata Practice Guide : A Practice Guide for Kaimahi and Whanau

Ata was initially formulated as a social work practice model by Taina Pohatu (2004) and focuses on respectful relationships, negotiating boundaries and creating ahurutanga (safety of space). Pohatu (2004) explains that the Ata framework was designed and developed using songs, chants and conversational Maori. There are 13 Ata phrases described by Pohatu and his definitions for these are shown and referenced throughout this practice guide.

Ata is both theory and practice. Each ata requires active participation, practice and application.

Ata is not only about beliefs or knowledge, it is a way to process, critically analyse, organise, and frame our behaviour within relationships. This guide has been designed as user-friendly and can be accessed and utilised by whanau themselves.