About H & P Wellness Centre

We are a community-based, culturally anchored wellness collective supporting individuals and whānau across Otago and beyond. We understand that not everyone can come to us, so where needed, we come to you meeting people where they are at, in ways that work best for them. Our services are client-focused and mana-enhancing, shaped by the lived experiences, needs, and aspirations of the people we walk alongside. We take time for reflection, valuing the healing process just as much as the outcome.

Our practice is grounded in a Māori lens and draws on a range of therapeutic approaches including narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, strengths-based practice, and the intentional use of silence and presence within talk therapy. At the heart of our work is the belief that every person carries their own story, strengths, and potential for change. We support individuals and whānau who are seeking healing, growth, and reconnection. Our role is to walk alongside not to direct or push but to offer guidance, space, and encouragement in a safe and supportive environment.

We provide support across trauma recovery, grief, anxiety and depression, alcohol and other drug challenges, relationship and attachment difficulties, identity healing, cultural disconnection, and reintegration after incarceration. Our work is both individual and whānau-focused, strengthening whole systems of care and encouraging reconnection within community. Alongside therapeutic support, we also provide practical, wraparound care through our partnership with the Profitable Potential Charitable Trust. This allows us to respond to real-life needs such as access to essential household items and community connection recognising that healing also requires stability, safety, and support in everyday life.

Hi, I’m Wendi Halligan-Poona

Dappanz & ACC Registered. Founder of H&P Wellness. Qualified Counsellor/ Clinical Supervisor and an ACC Provider. 25 years’ experience AOD, trauma and co-existing disorders.

Ko Wai Au- who am i?

I am a daughter, sister, mother, Aunty, Niece, wife and friend. My whanau are at the heart of who I am. I find strength and peace in nature- I am a tree hugger at heart, my hands are in the dirt gardening and I feel grounded and cleansed when my feet are in the water.

I choose to hand over my thoughts and struggles to my higher power (of my understanding), trusting in guidance beyond myself. My journey into helping others did not happen by accident. It comes from a deep desire to give back, to walk alongside those seeking healing, and to create space for growth, and connection.

Hi, I’m Ngāti Poona

Peer Support. Qualified AOD peer support specialist and addictions. Our Kaimahi bring Lived Experiences, Compassion, and whānau based peer support to help others find connection and empowerment.

Mens AOD support Group; Ngati Poonas men’s group aims to provide: Psycho-educational support covering a wide range of trauma-based issues, informed by both Western and Māori worldviews A safe, culturally responsive space for peer discussion and appropriate cognitive challenges Opportunities for personal growth, resilience-building, and self-esteem development, grounded in cultural identity and strengths. Ngati brings a wealth of knowledge and cultural insight to his role, including: Six years of experience in AOD peer support and group work Strong assessment and report writing skills. A deep understanding of recovery principles and practices Extensive knowledge of Māori healing traditions and their application in modern contexts. His work is grounded in research-based approaches to peer support, ensuring that participants receive effective, evidence-based care that is culturally appropriate and responsive. By combining his personal journey, professional expertise, and rich cultural heritage.

Hi, I’m Tiana Smith

Tiana Smith is an experienced Administrator at H&P Wellnes with strong skills in Microsoft Office, email communication, administration, and organisational management. A dedicated solo mother of three, she also operates her own Rongoā business, combining professionalism with a passion for holistic wellbeing and community care.

Hi, I’m Sheree Kataraina Wallis

Iwi, hapū and whānau whakapapa tūpuna to Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa and Te Ure o Uenukukōpako.Theory and practice from kaupapa Māori frameworks for relationship building, ongoing strengthening and mana-enhancing, wairua focused healing. Working with trauma and trauma responsive care models to acknowledge that the body stores and remembers our life journey; the good, the bad and the ugly.

Respecting the kōrero and narrative of each client who shares their journey, their harm, their healing, their hā. Available online, by phone and in-person. Group work, whānau/family work, couples work and individual therapeutic sessions. Central Otago and Ōtepoti/Dunedin.

NZAC clinical supervisor; DAPAANZ accredited clinical supervisor; ACC registered provider.