Tuia Crampton Manaaki Tauira - Student Counsellor
“Poipoia te kakano he puawai” – Nurture the seed and it will bloom (Elder, 2008).
Ko Tauwhare tōku maunga
Ko Waipatukahu tōku awa
Ko Kaipara tōku moana
Ko Mahuhu-ki-te-rangi tōku waka
Ko Whiti-te-ra-o-Reweti tōku marae
Ko Ngāti Whātua tōku iwi
Ko Te Taoū tōku hapu
Nō Ingarangi, nō Hāmoa hoki ōku tūpuna
Ko Tuia Marama tōku ingoa
I whānau mai au i Kawerau
I tipu ake au ki Whitianga
Ko Whakatū tōku kāinga
Personal background
I believe deeply in people’s capacity for growth, wisdom, and resilience. My personal experience of intergenerational trauma, domestic violence and sexual violence has led me on a profound journey of self-discovery and healing. These experiences helped me understand trauma and guided me toward the field of counselling.
Post-traumatic growth has gifted me wisdom and compassion that I bring to my work as a counsellor. These experiences inform my ability to support others, honour their courage and walk alongside them as they navigate their challenges and reclaim their personal power.
“It is because of my experience that I want to help others who are challenged by life events. I hold a compassionate, heartfelt space that supports clients in doing this transformational work.”
Professional and academic background
I have worked as a crisis response person at SASH Nelson, supporting persons experiencing sexual violence through forensic examinations, phone support and police interviews.
I am trained in lomilomi, an intuitive Hawaiian healing massage that releases tension and trauma from the body. I have also trained in Root Cause Therapy and Embodied Processing with the Centre of Healing, Melbourne.
Currently, I am in my final year of the Counselling Degree and am a student counsellor with Manaaki Tauira, NMIT and The Nelson Women’s Centre.
Counselling Approach
My counselling approach is heart-centred and grounded in the warmth of manaakitanga. I work pluralistically, drawing from both Western and bicultural therapeutic models and Māori frameworks, weaving together trauma-informed, body-based processing and talk therapy. I hold a holistic view of health that welcomes all aspects of a person.
“Through relational care, I intend to create a safe space where people can be witnessed without judgment, realise their strengths and move towards greater wellbeing.”
What makes NMIT a great place to study?
At NMIT, Te Puna Manaaki, Manaaki Tauria and Learning Support staff, alongside our student association - SANITI, all offer support to help learners succeed in their chosen studies. Manaaki Tauira provides free confidential counselling to students, their friends, whānau and staff members, and provides a practicum for Senior Counselling Students.
We also live in a community surrounded by beautiful nature walks, rivers, lakes and the ocean.
Interest/hobbies
Outside of my studies, I am a mum and an artist making ceramic sculptures and taonga pūoro. I am learning te reo and love to waiata. Nature, gardening and being involved in my community are just a few of my loves. You may spot me in an op shop looking for something unique.
Counselling in today’s world
Family and sexual violence remain significant issues in Aotearoa, affecting individuals, whānau, and communities across generations. We all play a vital role in interrupting these cycles. Counselling offers a pathway toward restoration, empowerment, and well-being, helping people understand their experiences, rebuilding inner safety, and learning new ways of relating grounded in respect, equality, and compassion.
"I believe deeply in people’s capacity for growth, wisdom, and resilience."
