Te Tiratū was proud to attend Te Awamutu’s annual Community Gala at Albert Park, held in support of Hato Hone St John and their ongoing commitment to our community. The gala brought together locals, visitors, businesses, supporters, and volunteers for an evening of celebration, connection, and entertainment.
This year’s 2025 gala highlighted the incredible mahi of Hato Hone St John on the frontline of medical response and ambulance care in the district, mahi tika ana ngā kaimahi o St John! Te Tiratū acknowledges and celebrates their dedication and tireless work.
The event also provided a space for whānau to share kōrero about health care in Te Awamutu and rural communities. While celebrating available services, attendees spoke openly about the challenges they face in accessing comprehensive hauora support, including high costs, difficulty securing appointments, and care that doesn’t always reflect their unique cultural needs. Some whānau admitted they often avoid check-ups altogether.
A representative from St John, who works in the Emergency Department, shared how these access barriers affect frontline care and highlighted the importance of improving primary care for rural communities. We heard about Kaumātua experiences and the positive impact of Mangatoatoa Health Clinic at Mangatoatoa Marae, noting the critical support provided by Pinnacle and Waikato iwi resources.
The gala also reflected the strong community networks and partnerships supporting hauora across the district. Neighbourhood Watch shared concerns about youth vaping, nangs, meth use, and alcohol, while also noting positive changes such as Kihikihi’s earlier bottle store closing.
Our hardworking Hauora providers emphasised the importance of access for remote and rural whānau and highlighted successful community-led responses, including initiatives from Arahina. The Māori Women’s Welfare League Tainui Branch shared their health programmes delivered in Kihikihi, supporting whānau engagement in wellbeing activities.
Organised by Te Awamutu Sports, Ko Wai Au, and other local groups, the gala was a hugely unifying annual event celebrating the generosity, care, and resilience of whānau and community. Through the kōrero shared at the gala, Te Tiratū reinforces the importance of accessible, culturally responsive health care and the ongoing collaboration needed to ensure whānau in Te Awamutu and surrounding rural areas are supported in their hauora journey.