About Matika

Matika is a supportive, therapeutic programme created especially for tamariki aged 6–12 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Designed with a resilience-building and trauma-informed approach, Matika helps tamariki understand, express, and process their grief in a safe, nurturing environment.

Matika is an eight-week programme, run once a week during the school term. Each session blends therapeutic and psychoeducational activities, using art, play, discussion, and connection to help tamariki make sense of their loss and find healthy ways to move forward.

The programme is closed-group, meaning the same small group of children attend each week — allowing for deep trust, safety, and individualised attention. We welcome up to nine children per programme to ensure each child receives the care and support they need.

Tamariki can be referred by a counsellor, school, GP, or self-referred by their whānau.

How Matika Works

Each session is co-facilitated by two trained, experienced counsellors (our Matika buddies), with support from an intern counsellor or psychology graduate.

Activities are designed to:

• Encourage expression through creative play and art

• Teach tamariki to name and understand their feelings

• Build emotional awareness and regulation skills

• Foster a sense of connection and belonging

• Help tamariki discover their inner strengths and resilience

After completing the eight-week programme, tamariki will:

• Understand how grief and loss happen differently to each person, but they are experienced by all.

• Feel connected to their loved ones who have passed.

• Be able to identify their feelings and emotions, validating them and expressing them in a healthy way.

• Have a range of practical ideas for managing difficult feelings.

• Be able to tap into their internal or external resources when experiencing challenging times.

• Be able to ask for help or support from their whānau

• Build stronger bonds with whānau and others who support them

Upcoming dates

Term 4 2025: Wellington

Term 1 2026: Lower Hutt

Term 2 2026: Wellington

Term 3 2026: Porirua

Term 4 2026: Kapiti

Contact us today to learn more or register your interest (programmes@skylight.org.nz). We are here to help.