Anna Mowat from Real Parents reflects on a recent collaboration with Kidz Need Dadz, Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou, and others in a deeply affecting case that tested everyone involved but showed how transformative community partnerships can be.
By Anna Mowat – Real Parents
When we talk about supporting whānau through tough times, it’s often the collaboration behind the scenes that truly makes the difference. One recent case with Kidz Need Dadz (KND) stands out as one of the most complex – and one of the most collaborative – I’ve ever worked on.
The client, a father serving time in prison, was navigating not only the justice system but also the hopes of reconnecting with his children. It was a situation layered with grief, trauma, and what may have also become, disconnection. That’s where the strength of partnership really came into play.
Real Parents was brought in to support the client and his whānau with parenting – helping him develop tools to build his knowledge and re-establish trust, understand his children’s experiences, and prepare emotionally for the challenges ahead. I worked both inside the prison with him and his partner - this was a rare privilege.
At the same time, Kidz Need Dadz walked alongside him through the complex systems – liaising with Oranga Tamariki, legal teams, and the parole process. They brought clarity to a confusing and often overwhelming time.
Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou played a vital role too, supporting the client’s whānau on the outside, ensuring that their voices were heard, needs were met, and practical support was in place.
Together, we wrapped around this Dad and his whānau with trust, compassion, and shared intent. It wasn’t easy – in fact, it was one of the most emotionally difficult cases I’ve worked on. But it was also one of the most powerful examples of how agencies can work side-by-side, genuinely collaborating, and trusting each other’s strengths.
The relationships we’ve built with Kidz Need Dadz are more than professional – they’re collegial friendships, and that matters. It meant that in the toughest moments, we could lean on each other, share the load, and keep focused on what mattered most: the wellbeing of this man’s tamariki and their future with their dad.
Collaboration isn’t always tidy. But when it works, it can change lives. And that’s exactly what happened here.
About Real Parents
Real Parents is a heart-led organisation supporting parents, even in the most challenging circumstances. Grounded in research-based practice, Real Parents offers parenting programmes, coaching, webinars, and practical tools that meet parents where they’re at. With a strong focus on emotional wellbeing, real-life strategies, and the importance of the relationship between parents and tamariki. Real Parents is a trusted go-to for whānau across Aotearoa.
Tune into their podcast across Apple Music, Spotify or whenever you get your podcasts and look for: Being Real Parents.
