Tūmanako: Stories of Hope and Resilience

Tūmanako is an edited collection of personal narratives and research reflections focused on mental health and well-being. The book brings together a range of contributing authors to examine the realities of mental distress, the challenges individuals and communities face, and the practical pathways toward healing and resilience.

While acknowledging the complexities of mental health struggles, Tūmanako moves beyond identifying issues alone. Its purpose is to explore informed, experienced-based responses that consider both personal and collective solutions, grounded in lived experience and shaped by hope.

Although academic literature contains extensive discussion on mental health, mental illness, treatment, and diagnostic frameworks, there are comparatively fewer works that centre the perspectives of people within communities themselves. Tūmanako contributes to this space by prioritising voices that reflect lived realities, cultural understanding, and community-based insight.

Contributors include Professor Trish Johnston, Dr Erena Wikaire, Professor Te Kani Kingi, and Whaea Tui Tauroa, whose combined perspectives strengthen this important body of work and broaden the conversation around mental health and well-being.