Photo: Governance and operational rangatira of Rangitāmiro with shareholders, Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board, Ngaa Pou Hauora oo Taamaki Makaurau Iwi Māori Partnership Board, National Hauora Coalition (NHC)
Board members from Rangitāmiro Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency and its three shareholders, National Hauora Coalition, Ngaa Pou Hauora oo Taamaki Makaurau Iwi Māori Partnership Board, and Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board came together in early February to strengthen their shared commitment to improving outcomes for whānau.
The hui brought governance and operational leaders around the same table to reflect on progress, discuss current challenges, and look ahead to the future of investment and support for hapori.
During the hui, Te Tiratū shared insights from its latest quarterly monitoring report on Te Whatu Ora. The report highlighted that many whānau are still facing barriers within the health system. These include long waits to see specialists, delays for surgery, reduced funding for health promotion initiatives, and lower screening rates for some conditions. Gaps also remain in making health information accessible and easy for whānau to understand.
At the same time, there were encouraging signs of progress. Screening rates for cervical and breast cancer have increased by around ten percent, showing the impact of targeted outreach and the strength of community-based engagement. Leaders at the hui reflected on how consistent data, trusted relationships, and clear health messaging all play an important role in helping whānau access care earlier.
Chair of Rangitāmiro, Eru Lyndon, spoke about the importance of maintaining optimism and purpose when working in the social development space.
“Whānau trust the people delivering services and the information they receive, they are more likely to engage with health initiatives such as immunisation, health checks and prevention programmes,” he said. “Building that trust remains one of the most important tasks for those working to support whānau wellbeing.”
The hui also recognised the vital role played by Whānau Ora navigators who walk alongside whānau, supporting them to achieve their aspirations and helping them connect with services, information, and practical support.
Rangitāmiro Chief Executive Te Rōpu Poa provided an update on how Whānau Ora supported communities during the recent cyclone. The kōrero highlighted the critical role marae and hapū play as first responders when emergencies affect their communities.
Leaders emphasised that while immediate support during disasters is essential, building long-term resilience is just as important. Strengthening preparedness and ensuring communities have the support they need to recover and rebuild will remain a key focus moving forward.
Further insight was shared by Te Tiratū board member Dr Mataroria Lyndon, who recently took on the role of Chair of the Independent Investment Board advising Rangitāmiro. He spoke about how the board will help guide equitable and effective commissioning decisions that support whānau wellbeing across generations.
Dr Lyndon also encouraged leaders to think boldly about the future vision for “Whānau Ora 7.0” looking forward seven generations. While the original framework focused on supporting self-managing whānau, he suggested the next phase should aim even higher supporting self-determining whānau exercising tino rangatiratanga, living longer and healthier lives, creating intergenerational prosperity, strengthening economic security through wealth creation, and protecting whenua and the environment through kaitiakitanga.
These whakaaro will help shape future investment priorities and the direction of Rangitāmiro.
Leaders are expected to meet again in May or June to continue building this shared strategy and long-term vision for whānau wellbeing.
Photo: Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board member and Chair of the Independent Investment Advisory Board for Rangitāmiro, Dr Mataroria Lyndon