Paeroa plays - First Hauraki Games since COVID
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.
Te Kūiti whānau want to grow hauora solutions already working
Whānau at the Hauora Day at the Les Munro Centre in Te Kūiti spoke openly about the everyday challenges they face, from the cost of petrol and healthy kai to limited support for rangatahi and tamariki dental care. Even with these pressures, they highlighted solutions already working, demonstrating how they exercise mana motuhake, kaitiakitanga, and manaakitanga.
One of the strongest solutions already in place was whānau supporting each other day to day. In homes where Type 2 Diabetes is common, some are managing it collectively, cooking together, sharing kai, supporting medication routines and keeping each other well.
Accessible and affordable local services are making a difference for many whānau. Some shared they could get appointments quickly and at low cost, showing that when services are responsive and trusted, whānau will use them.
Whānau stepping up to support others is another strength already working in the community. One tane took things into his own hands and started doing it all himself, because he felt like he couldn’t trust the system. He became a volunteer to help navigate others through the journey. Now he walks alongside others, helping them understand the system and what to expect.
Outreach services that already serve surrounding areas are valued by whānau. For example, foot care services travelling to places like Maniaiti / Benneydale were seen as helpful and something that could be built on.
At the same time, whānau were clear about where these solutions need to grow.
Whānau called for more services closer to home, especially for mental health and addiction, so support is available earlier and not only in times of crisis. For rangatahi, services need to feel safe and accessible, with options that allow for privacy. Outreach, online support and services outside the immediate area were all identified as ways to build on what is already working.
Access to care remains uneven. A big one for Mama’s was oral health. They told us how hard it is for tamariki to get into oral health services; the mobile dental bus is not enough. Whānau want to see more consistent dental services, more health workers across the region and visiting specialists like podiatry and pain support to reduce the need for travel.
Transport and cost continue to shape whether whānau can access care. Building on existing supports, whānau said more help with petrol, more transport options and more local delivery of services would make a significant difference.
Whānau also highlighted the importance of strengthening what they already do. Support for healthy kai, services that work alongside whānau routines and approaches that recognise collective care were all seen as ways to build on existing strengths.
For kaumātua, the focus remains on maintaining independence. Improving access to mobility support, transport and social connection would strengthen what is already helping kaumātua stay well.
Housing also sits at the centre of hauora. Warm, dry homes and the ability to afford heating were identified as essential foundations that would support all other health gains.
Across the day, 27 Whānau Voice surveys were completed, but it was the kōrero behind them that mattered most. Whānau shared not only the challenges they face, but the solutions they are already living every day.
The hauora day in Te Kūiti showed a community that is not starting from zero. The foundations are already there. What whānau are asking for now is the support to grow what is already working.
Iwi Chairs & IMPBs unite to map a hauora ‘manifesto’
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.
Tokoroa whānau speak up at Hauora Day
Whānau in Tokoroa came together for the Hauora Day at Tokoroa Hospital organised by South Waikato Community Services. The event brought together health providers, clinicians, community organisations, locals, and the Te Tiratū Whānau Voice team, offering a wide range of health, wellbeing, and support services for all ages.
Our kaimahi completed a dozen surveys and had countless conversations with whānau that revealed common concerns, including diabetes, respiratory conditions like asthma, mental health challenges, and addiction.
Many whānau appreciated the presence of nurses at the event, who offered advice, education, and quick checks for blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular risks. Skin lesion checks and general surgery advice were also available, alongside children’s vision and hearing screenings, oral health checks, cervical and HPV screening, breast and bowel screening guidance, and pre-school health assessments.
Several whānau highlighted that sitting down with health professionals helped them better understand their conditions and the guidance they receive. Health promoters were also on hand to provide education and prevention support. Free information on immunisations, Well Child Tamariki Ora services, and whānau education programmes supported families in navigating care.
Access to GP appointments was generally possible for urgent needs, but standard appointments often involved waits of around two weeks. Some whānau said they resorted to Accident and Emergency when earlier care was unavailable.
Advocacy from nurses such as liaising with GPs or helping prepare for appointments was seen as vital. Whānau noted the importance of having family members who understand the health system or can help interpret medical advice, particularly when travelling to Waikato Hospital added stress and cost.
Access to affordable, healthy kai was also raised as an ongoing challenge for some families.
Mental health services were mentioned by a small number of whānau who had lived experience of the system. They spoke about long waits to see a psychologist and the difficulty of finding clear information about available support. There was also interest in kaupapa Māori mental health services and culturally grounded responses.
Rangatahi wellbeing was a recurring topic. Whānau voiced a desire for more youth programmes and activities, expressing concern over vape and gambling outlets and their impact on young people. Other concerns raised included communication between schools and families about health risks.
One parent described frustration when there had been a delay in communication after a person with COVID-19 had been on a school bus, which was particularly concerning because their child was immunocompromised.
Community safety was also mentioned, including concerns about parking and pedestrian crossings around a local primary school.
Employment opportunities were another topic raised in conversations with the Te Tiratū team. Some people were concerned that overseas companies were bringing in workers from other countries while employment remains a challenge for some local residents.
A small number of whānau also spoke about experiences of racism in the wider community, although these experiences were not specifically linked to the health system.
Alongside the challenges, whānau also spoke positively about the work of local providers and community organisations. Programmes that support health education, including diabetes education, were appreciated, as were community initiatives focused on wellbeing.
A local kaumātua group was mentioned as an example of a kaupapa that brings older people together through activities and guest speakers. Community food māra kai initiatives were also recognised for helping whānau access healthy food.
Support for the Cancer Lodge was also acknowledged, with whānau noting the importance of having accommodation available for patients and whānau who need to travel for cancer treatment.
The Hauora Day offered a full range of services beyond clinical checks. Parenting, men’s and women’s groups, elder safety and financial harm support, Family Start home-based parenting programmes, healthy homes guidance, driver and truck licensing, apprenticeship and employment pathways, financial literacy, smoking cessation support, transport assistance, and community referrals including the Putāruru shuttle service were all available.
For the Te Tiratū Whānau Voice team, the day was a vital opportunity to hear from whānau directly, ensuring their experiences and priorities inform our ongoing advocacy work to improve health outcomes across the rohe, particularly in Tokoroa where 46.6% of the population has identified as Māori.
Ninth wave of COVID-19 arrives
Health services across Aotearoa are reporting a ninth wave of COVID‑19. In the past week, 50 people have been hospitalised and 19 have sadly passed away with the virus.
Most whānau experience mild illness, but our pēpi, kaumātua, and those with existing health conditions remain more vulnerable. Protecting whakapapa is a shared responsibility, and simple actions can make a real difference.
Recent media reports say, “Covid-19 is being tracked through wastewater and hospitalisations which were currently showing a “big wave””.
Simple Steps to Keep Safe
Line up your Covid booster with your annual flu vaccination. Make a booking now.
If you or your tamariki feel unwell with cough, fever, runny nose, or sore throat, stay home, rest, and avoid visiting older whānau or those with health conditions. Testing helps you know if it’s COVID‑19, and free tests or RATs may still be available through local hauora providers or pharmacies.
Vaccination and booster doses build protection and reduce the risk of severe illness, and they are free for most people aged 5 and over. Adults aged 30 and over, particularly whānau Māori are encouraged to stay up to date with boosters when eligible.
Good hygiene continues to help protect everyone. Wash your hands regularly, wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and cough or sneeze into your elbow. Staying vigilant helps keep our whānau safe.
Data from Aotearoa shows that our whānau are disproportionately affected by COVID‑19, with higher rates of severe outcomes than other groups. Vaccination and boosters significantly help protect everyone.
Protect Our Whakapapa
Protecting our tamariki and kaumātua by staying home when unwell, testing, isolating if needed, and keeping up with vaccinations saves lives.
Kia noho haumaru e te whānau!
Rangitāmiro reaching more whānau than ever
Te Pāe Tawhiti – The shared vision for Rangitāmiro in its journey of evolution from 1.0 toward 7.0
More whānau are connecting with support across Te Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki Makaurau, Waikato and Tūwharetoa as the Whānau Ora commissioning model of Rangitāmiro grows and strengthens.
A quarterly update received today by shareholders for the period October to December 2025 shows growing engagement with whānau and stronger partnerships with providers working in communities across the regions.
The number of whānau engaging with Rangitāmiro services increased over the quarter, rising from 3,228 whānau in October to 3,872 by December.
The whānau-centred approach of Rangitāmiro was especially effective during the recent severe weather events that affected northern regions earlier this year. Working alongside Whānau Ora providers and community organisations, support was coordinated for whānau impacted by the events, demonstrating the strength of kaupapa Māori responses grounded in relationships, tikanga and community leadership.
Support is delivered through Whānau Ora Kaiwhiriwhiri (navigators) who work alongside whānau to help them access services, strengthen connections and achieve their aspirations. Kaiwhiriwhiri across the regions continue to support increasing numbers of whānau seeking guidance and support.
As Rangitāmiro moves beyond its start-up phase, it is continuing to strengthen its systems, workforce and partnerships. Work is underway to grow the capability of Kaiwhiriwhiri across the network, embed the organisation’s mātāpono of whānau, connection and tikanga, and build systems that support continuous learning and improvement.
In November, the Rangitāmiro Board and operational team came together for a strategic wānanga to begin shaping the organisation’s long-term direction. The kōrero focused on a shared vision of intergenerational wellbeing, with tamariki and mokopuna at the centre.
Those attending reflected on what thriving whānau looks like in everyday life, including safe homes, access to kai, learning opportunities, strong cultural identity and connection to whenua and whakapapa. The wānanga also explored the importance of looking ahead seven generations to ensure decisions made today help build a stronger future for mokopuna.
Over the coming months, Rangitāmiro will focus on completing its strategic plan, strengthening data and insights about whānau outcomes, deepening partnerships with providers and continuing to grow support for whānau across the regions it serves.
By grounding its work in tikanga, relationships and whānau voice, Rangitāmiro aims to help whānau realise their aspirations and thrive now and for the next seven generations to come.
Rangitāmiro is a consortium of Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board, Ngaa Pou Hauora oo Taamaki Makaurau Iwi Māori Partnership Board and National Hauora Coalition (NHC).
Major health lobby group ‘Kaitiaki Hauora’ backs Iwi Māori Partnership Boards
Kaitiaki Hauora is calling for Te Tiriti o Waitangi to be honoured by empowering Iwi Māori Partnership Boards to lead decisions about health services for their communities.
The national alliance launched in January has brought together patients, health workers, Māori health representatives, unions, advocacy organisations, youth voices, and community groups who share a commitment to protecting and strengthening publicly funded healthcare in Aotearoa.
It is calling for:
- A major boost to funding to meet the real health needs of our population.
- Protecting and strengthening publicly funded and provided healthcare, rather than outsourcing it to private interests.
- Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi by devolving decision-making authority and funding to Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards, enabling them to meet the needs and aspirations of their people.
Since launching earlier this year, the Kaitiaki Hauora alliance has grown quickly.
More than 570 people have signed up to support its campaign, and 26 organisations have formally joined the alliance, reflecting strong public support for protecting publicly funded healthcare.
The group has been active in the national conversation about hauora as we experience a critical time for healthcare and the future of the public health system in Aotearoa.
Decisions made by government and Parliament will influence how healthcare is funded, delivered and governed including the role of Māori leadership in shaping services.
For Iwi Māori Partnership Boards, ensuring that Māori voices remain strong in these conversations is essential to achieving equitable health outcomes for whānau.
Kaitiaki Hauora spokespeople include Iwi Māori Partnership Board representation from Chair, Louisa Wall of Tūwharetoa and General Practitioner and Chief Medical Officer of Tūwharetoa Iwi Māori Partnership Board Dr Rawiri Jansen.
Kaitiaki Hauora believes the future of public healthcare will depend on communities working together to protect the system and ensure it reflects the values of fairness, partnership and care for all.
Whānau and organisations in hauora are being encouraged to learn more about the alliance across the motu and how they can support the kaupapa.
Together, the message is clear around kaitiakitanga and kotahitanga. Strong public healthcare and strong Māori leadership must go hand in hand.
Whānau speak up about state of health system at Taumarunui hauora day
Whānau came together this past weekend at Taumarunui Hospital for the annual Hauora Day that was supported by a range of health specialists, community service providers and health teams.
We’d like to tautoko three wahine for their dedication organising this outstanding event. Atarina Peta, a health promoter from Taumarunui, and Willow Brady and Briar Downes from the Screening Team of the Waikato National Public Health Service.
Their leadership created a space where whānau could share their experiences and access vital health support. Community teams included National Hauora Coalition kaimahi, the Te Nehenehenui Health Bus, and the Ngāti Maniapoto Marae PACT Trust who provided information, advice, and resources.
Our Te Tiratū Whānau Voice team listened to whānau in Taumarunui as they shared the realities of accessing healthcare, highlighting common themes of long travel for services, gaps in local care, transport challenges, pressures on mental health and addiction support, and the difficulty many face navigating the health system.
Hāpū Māmā often travel six hours for ultrasounds due to the lack of local facilities, and there is no respite or hospice care available nearby.
Long waits for MRIs, cardiology scans, and GP appointments create stress and anxiety, while pharmacy hours are limited, forcing whānau to travel significant distances for medication. Public transport, such as the health bus, often requires better support, safer conditions, and kaumātua guidance to ensure whānau can travel with confidence.
Mental health and wellbeing were a major focus. Rangatahi anxiety and the pressures on grandparents raising grandchildren due to adult children struggling with meth use were recurring concerns. Many whānau expressed uncertainty about how to support those affected by addiction and highlighted the lack of services for gambling and other behavioural challenges.
The day also revealed gaps in health services, including a need for diabetes programs, sleep clinics, physiotherapy, and rongoā Māori services in Taumarunui. Whānau often face challenges navigating complex health systems, including ICAMS referral processes for infant, child, and adolescent mental health. Reduced Kaitiaki staffing, conflicting medical advice, and inconsistent oral health and counselling services add to the strain.
Despite the challenges raised, whānau also shared positive experiences. Asthma Waikato provided helpful online consultations, Awhi Healthy Homes responded quickly to urgent housing needs, and Te Puawaitanga counselling support was highly valued by those who had accessed it.
Whānau spoke clearly about what they need, like culturally safe services, local advocacy, support to navigate the health system, and more accessible health programmes closer to home.
Taumarunui Hauora Day highlighted both the strength and resilience of the hapori, and the urgent need to improve access to health services locally that Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board is exploring further in its soon-to-be-released town-by-town Hauora Report on health access and equity.
Photo: Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board kaimahi Megan Tunks of Whānau Voice with Te Whatu Ora kaimahi – Willow Brady , Briar Downs and Atarina Peta who is the Health Promoter based in Taumarunui Hospital.
Koha & water safety kōrero that saves lives with Mark Haimoana
Photo: Megan Tunks of Whānau Voice, Mark Haimoana and Kōare Hudson, Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board social media kaimahi.
When Mark Haimoana talks about the moana, he speaks with the mana of someone who has spent a lifetime in it.
Known across Aotearoa for his leadership in water safety, swimming and surfing, Mark has long championed a simple but powerful Kaupapa, that while our people belong in the water, our people must be safe in the water.
For Mark, safety begins long before you reach the shoreline.
The first thing he says is clear. You need to know how to swim. Not just once, not just as a child, but continuously. Swimming, floating, breath control and survival skills need to be practised and maintained.
“Many of us”, he says, “have not dived for a year or more. If you are heading out for a deep dive or even a simple skin dive for kina, pāua or crayfish, you need to be honest about your fitness. The ocean does not lower its expectations because we have been busy or because we are getting older. Preparation is part of respect.”
He also reminds us that in a world where nearly everyone carries a phone, “there is no excuse for silence whānau”. Before heading out on the water, whānau should know where you are going and what time you expect to return.
That simple act of communication can make the difference between a quick response and a long, frightening delay. Letting someone know your plan is not about restriction. It is about care.
Reading the conditions is another expression of that care. The moana is constantly changing. Tides shift, winds turn, swells build. Heading out without checking forecasts or understanding what the water is doing places unnecessary risk on yourself and those who may have to come looking for you.
Mark says, “know your tides, watch the wind and understand how quickly weather can move”. Awareness is protection.
Yet perhaps the most important message he shares is one grounded in our values. “Stay together. Look after each other. Mahi ā whānau.” When we move as a collective, we notice when someone is tired, when conditions feel wrong, when it is time to turn back. Water safety is not an individual pursuit. It is relational.
Mark has kindly donated a lifejacket to Te Tiratū that we will be giving away to whānau on our Facebook page.
It carries that same spirit. It is practical, yes, but it is also symbolic. It represents manaakitanga in action. It says that every life matters, that preventable loss is not something we accept, and that leadership is shown through generosity as much as words.
Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board is deeply grateful to Mark Haimoana for this koha and for the decades he has spent strengthening water safety across our communities. As the warmer months draw more of us back to the coast, rivers and lakes, his message is timely.
Skill up. Stay connected. Respect the conditions e te whānau.
Kia haumaru tātou katoa.
Rangitāmiro & shareholders strengthen shared vision
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