Today rangatira from across Aotearoa came together, gathering from the National Iwi Chairs Forum, Hauora Iwi Leaders Group, and Iwi Māori Partnership Boards.
They met with one purpose in mind. To kōrero, share, and map a path forward for Hauora that truly puts whānau at the centre.
The hui invitation came from Hauora ILG leaders Kahurangi Dame Naida Glavish, Rahui Papa, and Tereki Stewart, and guided by Janell Dymus-Kurei, whose knowledge from Pou Tangata and the Matike Mai working groups helped bring the ideas into focus. The room hummed with conversation, with each voice weaving into a bigger picture of health, wellbeing, and rangatiratanga.
Rahui Papa opened the hui with a call to work together. “We’re looking forward to solidifying the relationship between IMPB and ILG and align perspectives, so we create definitive action points together like a hitchhiker’s guide to Hauora strategy,” he said. There was a sense that something important was beginning.
Throughout the day, leaders explored how iwi, Hauora ILG, IMPBs, Hauora Māori Advisory Committee, and commissioning agencies could walk side by side, working in ways that make services easier to access, stronger, and more culturally safe for whānau.
Māori-led initiatives like the Taakiri Tuu wellness and diagnostic centre in Kirikiriroa sparked conversation on devolution, showing what is possible when communities lead, care is delivered locally, and whānau are respected in every decision.
The hui also turned to deeper discussions. Why IMPBs need statutory authority and stable funding, how the te Tiriti o Waitangi relationship with the Crown sits firmly with iwi, and why Māori governance over health data matters for protecting whānau outcomes.
Speaking with one voice across the system makes sense, so does creating a Manifesto to present clear and coherent positions to government, and working together so every decision strengthens equity, trust, and wellbeing.
Janell reminded everyone that these were early ideas, a beginning rather than an end. The Manifesto will grow and change as the journey continues, shaped by shared insights and careful kōrero.
The next steps have been agreed. To finalise a joint statement by the end of April, continue working on commissioning and service delivery, and support IMPBs with leadership, resourcing, and capacity to ensure whānau remain at the heart of Hauora.
As the hui came to a close, a sense of hope and momentum filled the room. This was more than just a meeting; it was a clear signal of ‘doey’ – a shared commitment from everyone to come together and take action.