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Page URL: https://practice.orangatamariki.govt.nz/practice-framework/whai-akona/supervision/whakairo-kaupapa
Printed: 22/08/2026
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In this phase of the supervision session, we make the connections between our theories (reflective ponderings of patterns) and actual practice.
Connecting theory to principled practice
Often within supervision there is a lot of discussion, and this part of the process creates the space for the kaitiaki to articulate what they have learned, discovered and reflected on in the session.
It enables kaitiaki to make the connections between the theories informing their practice and their actual practice, enhancing social work professionalism as informed practice is theory based.
Both roles can acknowledge the koha (gifts) that have been exchanged in terms of learning and what has been developed between them.
Prompts: skills, knowledge and behaviours
I have knowledge of theories that are relevant to my practice context, which support me in making the connections between these and my intended practice.
I can acknowledge what has transpired in the session and agree with the kaiārahi what the next steps are, individually, together and with others.
I am mindful about how I want to feel at the end of the session and that the session has ended properly for me (there may be a tendency to not do endings well).
I develop a practice of reflecting in a journal about the session and any learnings that took place.
Supervision prompts
How can I draw on theory to make connections with my practice?
Which theories are most relevant to my practice?
What is our understanding of who will record, what will be recorded and where it will be stored?
How will we agree any follow-up tasks, and what will be revisited at the start of the next supervision session?
How will we acknowledge the koha (gifts) that have been exchanged in terms of learning between us?
I have knowledge of theories that are relevant to the practice context and can support the kaitiaki to make these connections.
I can share my observations of content from the session – what is being brought, common themes and what gaps may exist. This enables a check-in that the 3 expressions of oranga are in focus.
I facilitate agreement with the kaitiaki on what will be recorded (in CYRAS and their personal record), as well as agreeing what tasks will be followed up on.
I optimise my own learnings from the session (content and process) by reflecting in a journal or similar.
Supervision prompts
As a kaiārahi, how do I support the kaitiaki to make the connections between the theories informing their practice and their actual practice?
What is our understanding of who will record, what will be recorded and where it will be stored?
How will we agree any follow-up tasks, and what will be revisited at the start of the next supervision session?
How will we acknowledge the koha (gifts) that have been exchanged in terms of learning between us?
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