About

Kōtuku Creative thrives on working collaboratively with organisations to create, produce and publish narrative-based resources for the mental health and education sector in book, web, digital and film formats. The resources utilise the Home and School Scaffolding approach, developed by Kōtuku Creative, to build on the established trust-based relationships already existing in children's lives. With the support of innovative experts in the book design, translation, research and mental health and education sectors Sarina Dickson and Julie Burgess-Manning develop resources to support children to build resiliency by also supporting teachers and parents, keeping the child at the centre of the work. We value parents and teachers as experts in their children's lives and design resources that can be easily adapted to the needs and wants of individual classes and families.

Please contact us for any queries regarding producing resources for your organisation.

Christchurch residents will recognise her 'Reflecting Changes' sculpture from the 2015 'Christchurch Stands Tall' art trail while Aucklanders will recognise 'Life Cycles' from the 2018 'Auckland Big Hoot'.

Julie Burgess-Manning PGDip PP, MSc (FamTher), PG CertED, BA Hons (Psych)

Julie is a Family Therapist and NZ Registered Psychologist currently employed by the University of Otago as a Clinical Lecturer and also working in private practice. She has worked in a variety of child, adolescent and family mental health settings for the past 18 years, with roles such as Senior Clinician, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and Primary Mental Healthcare Liaison. Julie lives in Lyttelton with her husband, three children and a cat.

Sarina Dickson B.Ed, Grad Dip Tch & Lng

Sarina has worked alongside families and children with emotional and behavioural special needs in both the UK and NZ as a classroom teacher, mentor and advocate since graduating in 1999. She has worked in the Family Violence field with women and children in assessing needs, co-ordinating services and developing programmes. Sarina is passionate about the
re-generation of Christchurch and it's people.

Sarina has written and published articles about parenting and children on Stuff Nation and in The Natural Parent magazine, Heartache for Mums that struggle with breastfeeding (Stuff Nation) Helping Kids Cope With Crime (Stuff Nation, Northern News, Bay Chronicle)