Te Noho Tahi is our homegrown model for wellbeing, connection, and collective growth. Rooted in the values of presence, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and shared space, it began as a staff supervision and support framework and has grown to influence every part of our school culture — from the way we teach, to the way we lead, to the way we look after one another.
At its heart, Te Noho Tahi is about being together well. It creates space for reflection, builds trust, and strengthens the relationships that allow people to thrive. Whether you’re a school, a team, or an organisation, the model brings practical structures and relational depth that support wellbeing, improve communication, and foster a culture of care.
About Te Noho Tahi Blog Posts
Welcome to Te Noho Tahi — a space for honest, grounded reflections on leadership, wellbeing, and the messy, beautiful work of growing a school community.
These posts come from life on the ground at Tokoiti School, where we’re developing and living out Te Noho Tahi — a model built on presence, care, connection, and shared space. What started as a wellbeing framework for staff is now shaping how we teach, relate, and lead every day.
In my blog I share a story, a moment, or a question that’s stayed with me — something real, something human. These reflections aren’t polished or preachy. They’re just glimpses into what it means to show up for our people and our places, and to try to do it with heart.
Whether you’re a teacher, a leader, or just someone who believes in the power of being together well — I hope you’ll find something here that resonates.
Mr Shannon McDougall
Principal
Tokoiti School
The Living Heartbeat of Te Noho Tahi
Introduction
Before the Work, There’s Us
Te Noho Tahi: A Holistic Wellbeing Model for Connection and Care in Schools
It’s the People
Why Supervision Isn’t Just for Clinicians
Supervision in the Flow of the Day
Making Room with AI
Trust is the Container
A Real Day, A Full Heart
Presence Before Practice
Turning Up Together
The Power of No Agenda
Making Space to See Clearly
The Quiet Act of Showing Up
This is the Work
What Happens When We Don’t Talk About Work?
Why We Show Up
The Circle of Trust
The Bubbling of Joy
This Is the Work
Can you measure connection?
The Choice Not to Measure
When You Know It’s Working
The Signs That Don’t Show Up in Data
Being Held by the System You Built
The Cost of Time, Not Money
Refilling the Well
Other Voices
Te Noho Tahi wasn’t born in isolation
When the Anchor is Missing
From Tasks to Time
The Time AI Gave Us Back
Saying No to Surveys
The Connection
The Quiet Power of Rituals
The Quiet Gift of Presence
The Quiet Stories That Shape Us
The Quiet Strength of Belonging
The Art of Time
The Art of Our Time
The Art of Time’s Illusion
The Art of Time’s Rhythm
The Art of Time’s Stillness
Courage
The Courage to Pause
The Courage of a Leader
The Courage to Wipe the Slate Clean
The Courage of Quiet Presence
The Courage to Step Off the Path
Our Living Tree
Connie, Our Rock
Vicki, Our Steady Hand
Shelley, Our School Mum
Emma, Our Unseen Support
Emma, Our Joyful Explorer
Tegan, Our New Light
Shannon, Our Cup
The Art of Being Together
Small Places, Big Thinking
Where the Heart of a School Begins
The Practice of Being Together
The Calm at the End of the Day
The Gift of Time
Real People, Real Schools
The World We Could Build
Tokoiti School 