WHAT ARE WE
ABOUT
Manawa mai te mauri nuku
manawa mai te mauri rangi
kia mahara ki te whakaarokia
mahara ki te aroha
kia mātau
kia pakarikia
aroha tētahi ki tētahi
Hei oranga wairua
Hei oranga hinengaro
Hei oranga tinana
Hei oranga whānau
kia mauri tū, kia mauri ora
Haumi e, hui e, taiki e
Embrace the life force of the earth
Embrace the life force of the sky
Reflect on the primordial energy of thought (TAKE NOTICE)
Reflect on the primordial energy of compassion (GIVE)
To grow in knowledge (KEEP LEARNING)
To build character (BE ACTIVE)
To have compassion for one another (CONNECT)
For the wellbeing of the spirit (Te Whare Tapa Whā)
Mind
Body
And those we hold dearest
For the purpose of good health and wellbeing
Unified, connected and blessed
Karakia from https://afterasuicide.nz/karakia
At Heārt, we deliver creative wellbeing services to your office, and introduce ways in which employees can use different art forms to enhance hauora. Our name, Heārt, is a fusion of 'HEAling ARTs' and the Cantonese slang 'HEA,' which means "to chill or relax". This embodies our ethos of using art as a means to unwind and promote a relaxed attitude towards creating arts, emphasising our focus on the creative process rather than the outcome. We believe in harnessing the therapeutic power of arts to promote holistic wellbeing for individuals and communities.
OUR VALUES
Inclusivity
Authenticity
Holistic
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to inspire individuals to nurture their wellbeing creatively, fostering an open-minded approach to practical self-care and mutual support. We encourage active engagement in promoting wellbeing, and extending care to others. By reminding people of their innate creativity and encouraging its frequent activation, we harness the therapeutic benefits of the arts to enhance lives.
OUR KAUPAPA
At Heārt, our philosophy is rooted in extensive research and a profound understanding of the dynamics of wellbeing. The concept of art as therapy and its application is still new and emerging in Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite the growing awareness of mental health and wellbeing, practical steps for individuals remain unclear. At Heārt, We aim to bridge this gap by offering evidence-based solutions that encompass the holistic nature of wellbeing.
We drew inspiration from models such as Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā, which emphasises the interconnectedness of physical, mental, spiritual, and collective wellbeing. Our approach is informed by robust research and studies on the engagement with the Five Ways to Wellbeing which have shown significant impact on team wellbeing.
We advocate for accessible wellbeing services and believe that employers play a crucial role in fostering supportive environments. By providing an access point to wellbeing services and cultivating cultures that prioritize employee wellbeing, organisations empower their teams to proactively manage their wellness and offer mutual support.
MEET THE TEAM
Charmaine Lam
Director and Wellness Artist
PGDip in Creative Arts Therapy; MSc in Psychology (in Progress)
As a tangata Tiriti, woman of colour and 1.5 generation imigrate, I am dedicated to advocating for inclusivity, diversity, and holistic wellbeing. My journey has been shaped by overcoming mental health challenges and workplace bullying, along with my professional experience in mental health care. This has fueled my passion for self-help and creative approaches to wellbeing.
My postgraduate qualifications include Creative Arts Therapy and Psychology, combined with a Certificate in Business Management, and certification in Hogan Personality Assessments. Topped with my personal and professional experiences, these credentials enable me to empower others to find balance in their lives and support their personal development.
Today, I am actively involved in non-profit organisations, advocating for inclusivity and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Founding HEĀRT - Healing Arts allows me to share my creative approach to wellbeing, helping individuals and organisations incorporate art and creativity into their everyday practices to nurture their hauora. I believe that the workplace, often a significant source of stress, is a vital gateway for introducing these practices and fostering healthier, more connected environments.
Through HEĀRT, I aim to create supportive spaces where people can explore their potential, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of community. My mission is to make holistic wellbeing accessible and practical, creating meaningful change for our communities.
