Waatea has spoken with Te Nehenehenui Chief Executive and Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board member Sam Mikaere about a new report revealing growing pressure on healthcare services in Te Kūiti.
The Te Kūiti Hauora Report, released by Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board, highlights the challenges facing one of the central North Island’s key rural health hubs, including workforce shortages, limited GP access, transport barriers and rising healthcare costs.
The report describes Te Kūiti as a vital service centre supporting whānau across the wider Waitomo and Maniapoto rohe, with increasing demand placing pressure on local health providers and hospital services.
Sam Mikaere discusses why the report was commissioned and the need for stronger investment in rural health infrastructure, workforce development and Māori-led solutions to improve health outcomes.
The report calls for community-driven approaches that ensure whānau can access quality healthcare closer to home.