As the sunshine lit up Cambridge Community Marae, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura welcomed whānau, health providers, and our Whānau Voice kaimahi from Te Tiratū to celebrate Hauora Day.
It was a vibrant gathering of kōrero, connection, and community spirit. Organised by Norma Taute who we applaud as she has championed Hapu Hauora amongst Ngāti Koroki Kahukura. The event brought together Māori and non-Māori providers alongside whānau of all ages, creating a safe space to share stories, explore health services, and highlight both the strengths and gaps in care.
Providers shared insights into the needs of whānau, from understanding the difference between occupational and sports injuries versus age-related conditions with ACC, to the importance of alcohol and other drug support in and out of prison.
The kōrero revealed gaps in primary mental health care, challenges accessing cervical screening despite self-testing kits, and the ongoing need for hearing checks and oral health support for tamariki. Traditional rongoā practitioners, St John’s Ambulance, and suicide prevention teams were also part of the kaupapa on the day.
Whānau also shared their experiences, celebrating excellent hospital support while caring for loved ones, and highlighting disruptions when long-standing doctors retire. Across the 16 surveys completed on the day, whānau spoke of long GP and specialist wait times, the rising cost of healthcare, transport challenges, and the need for kaupapa Māori and holistic health services closer to home.
Activities that support wellbeing including whānau time, cultural connection, marae participation, and physical activity were identified as central to hauora. Almost all whānau who participated felt that government health and mental health targets do not meet their needs, reinforcing the importance of listening to whānau voices.
We gathered kōrero and ensured whānau perspectives were amplified alongside providers, making the day as much about listening as it was about sharing. On stage, Hauora providers showcased their services, a raffle was drawn as we all enjoyed a delicious, shared hangi.
Despite other events like waka ama taking place on the same day, Hauora Day was a clear testament to the commitment of Ngāti Koroki Kahukura to whānau wellbeing. It showed that whānau people come together to kōrero, share knowledge, and celebrate collective care, it strengthens not only their individual health journeys but the health of the whole hapori.