For the first time since COVID the Hauraki Games have returned to Paeroa, bringing together over 2,500 whānau from 20 marae at Te Puru o Te Rangi.
Rangatahi and tamariki played alongside kaumātua, enjoying netball, touch, lawn bowls, tug-of-war, and euchre, in a day alive with energy, laughter, and whanaungatanga.
Events like this reflect what our Te Tiratū IMPB Hauora Māori Priorities Summary Report says.
That whānau want to exercise Mana Motuhake in Hauora and have the space to follow their self-determined pathways to what positive health and wellbeing outcomes are, supported by their community.
This aligns directly with our advocacy about equity and culturally-led approaches to hauora Māori, ensuring our hapori have the resources, access, and decision-making power to thrive.
Our Hauora Māori Priorities Summary Report highlights the importance of solutions shaped with whānau, honouring their knowledge, experiences, and aspirations.
The Hauraki Games were much more than a sports day.
They were a space for whānau to lead their own wellbeing, strengthen connections, celebrate identity and pride, and enjoy intergenerational participation. It was a chance to pause from the business of the world especially during these times of war in the Middle East and focus on what really matters – oranga, whakawhanaungatanga and manaakitanga.