Poutokomanawa

Poutokomanawa: Strong Backs, Soft Hearts, Helping Hands

He ara whakaako mō te pūkenga hinengaro ā-whakaaro mō ngā tamariki.

Poutokomanawa is Momentum Learning’s social-emotional wellbeing programme for tamariki aged 5–12. Rooted in the principles of Partnership, Participation and Protection, this kaupapa supports tamariki, kaiako, and whānau to grow strong from the inside out—nurturing resilience, empathy, self-belief, and emotional intelligence.

Through in-person workshops, whānau hui, and classroom-ready resources, Poutokomanawa weaves together identity, lived experience, and the science of emotional development to build the inner strengths our young people need to thrive—at school, in their relationships, and in life.

Our commitment is threefold:

  • To equip tamariki with skills to understand and manage their emotions.

  • To empower kaiako to foster wellbeing and safe relationships in their classrooms.

  • To uplift whānau with knowledge to support their children’s emotional journeys.

Together, we strengthen the poutokomanawa—the central pillar—of every learner, so they can stand tall, lead with heart, and act with courage.

Outcomes

Through Poutokomanawa, tamariki will be better able to:

  • Recognise and manage their emotions

  • Show empathy and connect with others

  • Communicate clearly and kindly

  • Solve problems independently

  • Stand up to bullying and peer pressure

  • Believe in themselves and their strengths

Kaiako and whānau will also walk away more confident in their ability to nurture these same capabilities in tamariki—creating a shared culture of emotional safety, self-worth, and relational trust.

Who We Are

Poutokomanawa is led by:

Mary-Anne Murphy – NZ Lead Practitioner in Emotional Intelligence, Coach & Educator (RocheMartin)
Emalene Cull – Social-Emotional Intelligence Coach & Primary-Trained Educator (RocheMartin)

Together, they bring decades of experience in educational leadership, emotional wellbeing, and culturally responsive facilitation.

Let’s grow the hearts of our future.

⭐ NEW PODCAST EPISODE OUT NOW FOR EDUCATORS

⭐ NEW PODCAST EPISODE OUT NOW FOR EDUCATORS

⭐ NEW PODCAST EPISODE OUT NOW FOR EDUCATORS ⭐ NEW PODCAST EPISODE OUT NOW FOR EDUCATORS

Are you an educator committed to growing not just what students know — but who they are becoming?

This episode of the Conversations About Learning podcast introduces a compelling pedagogical approach that brings together structured approaches to learning, the sciences of learning, emotional intelligence, and cultural responsiveness — all through the integrated lens of Cognitive-Affective Learning.

Discover how intentionally weaving head and heart creates deeper engagement, relational safety, and powerful learning outcomes for ākonga. Grounded in research and real practice, this episode invites you to explore what’s possible when structure and connection work in harmony.

Tune in today and be inspired to lead learning that grows both capability and character.