From Māmā to Kaimahi: The co-design journey

Te Whare Piringa was once an aspiration of māmā. They imagined a space that embraced and celebrated women, women’s health and wellbeing, a place that welcomes whānau, allows her to access earlier education and information, and grow alongside other like-minded whānau. 

This aspiration is now a reality. Te Whare Piringa is open from Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm. Since its opening it has been a place of wānanga, connection, care and support. 

Baillie Chadfield, 26, is one of the many māmā whose journey with Te Whare Piringa has grown into something truly inspiring. Born and raised in Whanganui, with iwi affiliations to Ngā Wairiki me Ngāti Apa and Ngai Tuhoe, Baillie first joined the village when her first child was just two weeks old.

“I was nervous at first, I didn’t know who would be there, but it was a cool opportunity to share, especially as a new mum. The space felt welcoming, and we were given a koha for our time and kai. It became like another part of my village.”

Initially, Baillie joined the Hapū Māmā Village as a participant or Hapū Māmā Villager. A work colleague at Te Ora Hou invited her to attend. The experience opened her eyes to the importance of sharing and learning. “The more I went, the more I realised how much sharing could help me and others” Baillie says. “I’ve always been open, but discussing pregnancy and birth with others made me more aware of my own practices and how to live out my own life being a māmā”.

As Baillie became more comfortable in the space, she saw the value of contributing to the development of Te Whare Piringa, “The long process was necessary. There was no failure in the process. We learned how to work as a team. Watching our babies grow while we grew as māmā was really valuable”.

She also reflects that “Te Whare Piringa is not like anything else in Whanganui. Other places might have something similar, but this is different, it’s not about output. It’s about being yourself, hanging out and getting whatever support you need”.

Baillie’s role in the co-design process, has deepened her connection to the initiative. The entire process was important to her but one of her favourite activities was being able to shape the floor plan and making quick decisions during design sprints. “We weren’t just participants; we were contributors,” she says “It felt like we created something that’s part of our hearts. It’s about belonging, not just showing up. It’s about knowing we helped create something meaningful.”

Today, Baillie is employed as a kaimahi within Te Whare Piringa - “It feels surreal to work here,” she admits. “I never imagined this would be my job, but it’s such a cool bonus. It’s fulfilling waking up to go to work”.

Baillie’s lived experience as a Hapū Māmā Villager informs her work every day. “Having your voice is so important,” she says. “Before, I never felt confident enough to ask questions of my midwife or doctor. And I want māmā to come in and leave feeling confident to say ‘I don’t want to do that,’ or ‘Tell me more.’ It’s empowering to make informed decisions about your own body and the birth experience.”

Her message to new māmā entering Te Whare Piringa is clear: “Be open to the journey. Trust the process and know that you're not alone. This space is about connection, support, and giving you a voice.”

For more information about Te Whare Piringa contact kylee.osborne@teoranganui.co.nz