Kia Tū rangatahi leadership programme takes flight across the Waikato
Te Kauwhata College students are getting a firsthand experience of leadership by having a say in how New Zealand’s health system works, and what it means for whānau Māori now and in the future.
There’s a reason this mahi matters. Māori experience significant health inequities, including higher mortality rates and a life expectancy around seven years shorter than non-Māori.
Rangatahi Māori also report higher levels of psychological distress, while deprivation, structural disadvantage and barriers to accessing healthcare can make it harder to get support when it is needed.
Cost is one of those barriers. A 2024 study found that 22% of Māori reported cost as a barrier to accessing healthcare, compared with 13% of non-Māori. This prompted the creation of the Kia Tū Rangatahi Māori Hauora Leadership Programme.
Developed in partnership with Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board, it’s now underway at seven secondary schools in the rohe: Te Kauwhata College, Putāruru College, Ōtorohanga College, Tai Wānanga Ki Ruakura, Te Kopuku High School, Tokoroa High School and Te Kūiti High School.
The wānanga is about putting rangatahi at the centre. It gives them the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills to shape conversations around mental health and suicide prevention, vaccination, dental care, vaping and smoking, while creating space for their whakaaro to be heard and strengthening their connection to culture, identity and each other.
“Too many rangatahi, particularly those living in rural communities, face barriers to the hauora support and opportunities they need to thrive. This next generation are powerful influencers within their whānau, schools and communities,” says Brandi Hudson, Te Tiratū Tumu Whakarae.
“When we equip them with the confidence, knowledge and leadership skills to make positive choices for themselves and others, the impact extends far beyond the individual. What we invest in rangatahi today can shape healthier communities and stronger leaders for a lifetime.”
At Te Kauwhata College, that meant giving rangatahi genuine opportunities to lead.
Before the wānanga began, Kia Tū sat down with the college leadership team, including Acting Principal Sangita Achary, Acting Deputy Principal Whitney Williams-Totorewa, Brad Totorewa and Leitia Preston from Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Naho, to share their aspirations for the programme.
The meeting took place at Rangiriri Pā, a site deeply connected to the Waikato War of 1863. The setting reflected the importance everyone placed on supporting this Kaupapa grounded in place, history, identity and the oranga of rangatahi.
Years 11 and 12 challenged themselves to step outside their comfort zones, building confidence through public speaking and learning to use their voices with greater impact.
The Year 13 tauira took leadership a step further, helping shape a ‘Te Kauwhata Leadership Excellence Hui’ and planning an upcoming Leadership Day for the wider school.
Rangatahi also had the freedom to explore the issues and ideas that mattered to them, expressing their whakaaro through video, spoken word, art, waiata and interviews.
They were not simply learning about hauora. They were finding their voices, testing their ideas, listening to one another and beginning to see themselves as people who can influence what happens around them.
The programme is now expanding beyond Te Kauwhata College to schools across the Waikato, including Te Kūiti, Putāruru and Kirikiriroa.
Classrooms can only do so much. Kia Tū gives rangatahi an opportunity to understand the health issues affecting their whānau and communities, have their voices heard, and develop the leadership skills to help shape what comes next.
Making healthcare easier for Te Awamutu whānau
Te Awamutu News has highlighted the findings of our Te Awamutu Hauora Report, which looks at what’s working well for whānau and where more support is needed.
Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board member Kataraina Hodge says Te Awamutu has many health and community services, but whānau don’t always know what is available or where to go.
That’s why Te Tiratū is developing an online directory of kaupapa Māori hauora services, making it easier for whānau to find the right support.
The report also highlights the challenges of travelling to Hamilton for specialist care, including the extra costs of petrol, parking and time away from work and whānau.
For Te Tiratū, whānau need healthcare that is accessible, connected and responsive to the needs of our communities.
The Te Awamutu report is one of 10 locality Hauora Reports being developed by Te Tiratū across the Tainui waka rohe, ensuring whānau voices help shape the future of hauora.
Te Tiratū questions removal of ethnicity criteria for funded type 2 diabetes medicines
Te Tiratū Board member, Dr Mataroria Lyndon speaks to Whakaata Māori about the impact of changes to diabetes medicine access.
Pharmac’s decision to remove Māori and Pasifika-specific eligibility criteria for four type 2 diabetes medicines has raised concerns about whether widening access will translate into equitable access for the people experiencing the greatest burden of diabetes.
Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board member Dr Mataroria Lyndon spoke to Whakaata Māori about the decision and the implications for Māori.
From 1 September, access to empagliflozin, empagliflozin with metformin, liraglutide and dulaglutide will be widened to people with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar remains high despite other treatment. Pharmac says the change will give an additional 31,000 people access to the medicines over five years.
Dr Lyndon says while wider access is positive, a universal approach does not automatically mean Māori and Pasifika will have equal access in practice.
Māori are twice as likely as non-Māori to have diabetes and are also more likely to experience serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and lower-limb amputations.
“Māori are three times more likely than non-Māori to lose their leg or foot,” he said.
Diabetes can contribute to serious complications including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, vision loss, and amputations.
Te Tiratū believes these concerns cannot be separated from the wider inequities Māori experience across the health system.
“Pharmac needs to demonstrate that removing the ethnicity criteria will not worsen outcomes for Māori. The issue was that even proposing to remove an ethnicity criterion is a breach of Te Tiriti, but it also undermines the need,” said Dr Lyndon.
The concern is that removing targeted eligibility criteria assumes everyone is starting from the same position, despite longstanding inequities in diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and access to healthcare.
“That’s why we need a targeted response to address it, not a one-size-fits-all approach.”
According to Te Tiratū, the impact of the changes must be closely monitored to ensure Māori are not disadvantaged and that increased eligibility translates into improved access and health outcomes.
Unhealthy food marketing targets Māori youth: How advertising drives type 2 diabetes rates
Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board member Dr Mataroria Lyndon has spoken to Whakaata Māori about the growing impact of unhealthy food marketing on Māori communities and the links to rising rates of type 2 diabetes.
The interview follows research highlighting how rangatahi are increasingly exposed to fast-food advertising, larger portion sizes and food environments where unhealthy options can be cheaper and easier to access.
Dr Lyndon says the issue cannot simply be reduced to individual choice.
“We know that especially our lower income communities are more targeted with fast food, with that type of marketing.”
He also points to the growing size of meals and the impact this has on what people perceive as a normal portion.
“The portion of our kai is a lot more than we need, and also a lot more calories, a lot more sugars and fat in that kai, so we are eating a lot more than what’s good for us.”
Researchers say Māori continue to experience disproportionately high rates of type 2 diabetes, with many developing the condition at younger ages.
The discussion also highlights the importance of Māori-led approaches to prevention and wellbeing, including reconnecting with traditional kai, mātauranga Māori and the practices of tūpuna that supported healthy communities.
For Te Tiratū the issue reinforces the need to address the wider conditions shaping whānau health and not simply place the responsibility on individuals.
Healthy choices are much harder when the environment around whānau is designed to promote unhealthy ones.
Tai Ora Huihuinga Kōrero: Rangatahi thrive when they feel supported without judgement
Rangatahi across the Waikato have a clear message about mental wellbeing. Listen to us. Understand us. Don’t judge us. Make it easier to ask for help.
Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board heard that message directly at Tai Ora Huihuinga 2026 at Claudelands Event Centre that was organised by Te Puna Waananga o Wairere (TePWoW) Charitable Trust.
The annual event creates opportunities for rangatahi to grow their leadership, strengthen their connections to whānau and whenua, and draw on mātauranga Māori to shape healthy, connected futures.
Seventy rangatahi completed Te Tiratū’s Hauora Hinengaro survey, sharing what is affecting their wellbeing, what keeps them well and what makes it harder to get support.
Three quarters of rangatahi surveyed rated their wellbeing as good or very good. Of the 68 rangatahi who answered the question, 31 said their wellbeing was good and 21 said it was very good.
Fourteen said their wellbeing was okay and two rated it poor or not good.
For Te Tiratū, this is an important reminder that supporting rangatahi wellbeing means acting early and strengthening the things that help young people stay well.
Sleep and school are taking the biggest toll
Sleep was the biggest factor affecting mental wellbeing, identified by 70 percent of rangatahi. School and study followed closely at 63 percent.
Four in ten rangatahi said feeling anxious, stressed or low had affected their wellbeing. Whānau relationships affected 27 percent, having enough kai affected 25 percent, friend relationships affected 24 percent and money affected 17 percent.
These numbers show that rangatahi wellbeing is closely connected to everyday life. Getting enough sleep. Managing school. Having enough kai. Feeling connected to whānau and friends. Having enough money.
All of these things matter.
Connection is what keeps rangatahi well
The strongest message from the survey was the importance of people and connection. More than eight in ten rangatahi said friends and peer support helped their mental wellbeing.
Almost three quarters identified whānau support. Almost two thirds identified sport and physical activity.
Creative and cultural connections were important too. Music, art and creative activities were identified by 41 percent of rangatahi.
Kapa haka was identified by 24 percent. Te reo Māori and Te Ao Māori by 21 percent. Marae and kaupapa Māori programmes by 17 percent.
Wellbeing is not just about mental health services. Rangatahi are strengthened by whānau, friendships, culture, sport, creativity and being part of their community.
The biggest barrier is fear of being judged
More than half of rangatahi surveyed, 57 percent, said worrying about being judged made it harder to access mental health support.
Cost was another major barrier at 45 percent. Long waiting times affected 40 percent. Almost one third did not know where to go for help.
A similar number said services did not understand young people. For one in five rangatahi, concerns included privacy, transport and services not understanding Māori culture.
This tells us that having a service available does not automatically mean rangatahi will feel comfortable using it. They need to feel safe. They need to feel respected. They need to know they will be listened to without judgement.
Rangatahi want support that feels less formal
When asked what would make the biggest difference, rangatahi asked for people who listen, support that feels welcoming and less formal, better information about where to get help and culturally appropriate support.
One rangatahi said, “Don’t make it so formal.” Another said, “Let the youth speak about their experiences and mental wellbeing.”
Others talked about wanting Māori counsellors and people who understand their culture.“People who understand Māori and who don’t judge.”
Another rangatahi said, “Finding someone you could relate to, someone who understands you.”
There was also a strong call to make conversations about mental health more normal, so rangatahi do not feel embarrassed about asking for help.
Rangatahi want to be heard
The survey was one part of the kōrero at Tai Ora Huihuinga, which brought rangatahi together from across the Waikato.
Most respondents were still at school, with rangatahi from Kirikiriroa and communities including Te Awamutu, Te Kauwhata, Cambridge, Rāhui Pōkeka, Raglan, Tokoroa and Morrinsville.
Rangatahi also shared their experiences through kōrero and video during the event. They are saying listen to us, understand us and don’t judge us.
For Te Tiratū, hearing directly from rangatahi is essential. Their voices tell us what is working, where the gaps are and what needs to change. Most importantly, they remind us that the foundations of hauora are already there.
Whānau. Friends. Culture. Sport. Creativity. Community. Connection.
Our job is to strengthen those foundations and make sure that when rangatahi need extra support, they know where to find it and feel safe enough to reach out.
We acknowledge Te Puna Waananga o Wairere for hosting this important hui, and the inspiring speakers and role models who shared their whakaaro and experiences. It was a valuable forum focused on uplifting rangatahi wellbeing, leadership and connection. Special thank you to Trustee, Taniora Robinson and Maria Love from Te Puna Waananga o Wairere, Ngāti Wairere for inviting our Whānau Voice team.
Te Aka Whai Ora may be shut down but Māori health leaders are continuing its work
Te Aka Whai Ora may be gone, but the lessons remain. (Design: Tina Tiller).
Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board member Dr Mataroria Lyndon reflects on the enduring importance of Māori leadership in hauora Māori following the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora Māori Health Authority.
In his opinion piece for The Spinoff, Mataroria shares his reflections as a founding board member of Te Aka Whai Ora and considers the lessons from its short but significant journey.
He writes that while the organisation may have ended, the kaupapa of Māori decision-making, equity and whānau-centred health transformation continues through iwi Māori partnership boards, Whānau Ora commissioning agencies, Māori health providers and communities.
Mataroria says the future of hauora Māori must be built on enduring Māori leadership, strong partnerships and decisions made closer to whānau and communities.
Te Kūiti rural healthcare hub strained by rising demand
The Waikato Herald has featured the Te Kūiti Hauora Report by Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board, highlighting the growing pressure on Te Kūiti’s health services as they support both the local community and surrounding rural areas. The article outlines the report’s findings on barriers to healthcare, including GP shortages, transport, affordability and workforce challenges, along with recommendations to strengthen primary care, maternity, dental and kaupapa Māori services. Health New Zealand said the report provides valuable insight that will help inform future planning for rural health services.
Keeping Māori health needs visible in funding decisions
Māori health leaders are calling for ethnicity to remain part of how primary healthcare funding decisions are made, warning that removing it risks overlooking the needs of Māori whānau.
Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board and Te Taura Ora Iwi Māori Partnership Board represent more than 193,000 Māori across Waikato and Rotorua and are advocating for a funding system that reflects the realities of Māori communities.
The Boards say health funding is not just about numbers; it determines whether whānau can access the services, support and care they need.
“The way health capitation funding is designed matters. It must reflect the obligations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and recognise the realities faced by Māori communities,” said Glen Tupuhi, co-Chair of Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board.
“A funding model that does not recognise ethnicity risks making Māori health need invisible.”
The new primary care funding model considers factors such as age, deprivation, rurality and complexity of health conditions. However, ethnicity has been removed from the main funding formula, with an Equity Adjuster introduced as a temporary measure.
The Boards say equity funding should strengthen a fair system and not replace a formula that fails to recognise Māori health needs.
Research published in the New Zealand Medical Journal found ethnicity remains an important predictor of health outcomes, even after considering factors such as income, location and existing health conditions.
The study found Māori were 46% more likely than non-Māori to die from conditions that could have been prevented or treated through effective healthcare.
Te Tiratū and Te Taura Ora say Māori health inequities cannot be understood by looking only at poverty, location or illness.
“Ethnicity provides important information about health need and must remain part of how funding decisions are made,” said Hingatu Thompson, Chair of Te Taura Ora Iwi Māori Partnership Board.
The Boards are calling for assurance that Te Tiriti o Waitangi remains central to health funding decisions, that ethnicity continues to be recognised as a measure of health need, and that Māori health leaders and providers have a meaningful role in shaping future investment.
“If Māori health need is not visible in the funding model, it becomes easier for inequity to remain invisible across the health system,” Thompson said.
The Boards will write to the Minister of Health, the Hauora Māori Advisory Committee and Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand to seek assurance that Māori health remains central to future funding decisions.
Te Tiratū and Te Taura Ora support greater investment in primary care, including stronger funding for GP services, rural communities, immunisation, prevention, early intervention and support for whānau managing long-term health conditions.
Report raises alarm over strain on rural healthcare
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.
Te Kūiti carrying the weight of rural healthcare
King Country News has featured the first ever Te Kūiti Hauora Report by Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board, highlighting the growing pressure on rural health services across the wider district.
The 48-page report examines the health needs of Te Kūiti and surrounding communities, finding that local providers are carrying increasing demand for GP services, maternity care, dental services and chronic disease management while supporting a predominantly rural population.
Drawing on community voices and local health data, the report identifies barriers including workforce shortages, transport, cost, childcare and limited appointment availability, all of which can delay access to healthcare. It calls for sustained investment in primary care, stable maternity services, expanded dental care, more specialist outreach clinics, improved rural transport and stronger kaupapa Māori services and whānau navigation.
Te Tiratū IMPB says practical, locally led investment is essential to ensure whānau can access timely care closer to home and reduce avoidable hospital admissions. The report also recommends that Ngāti Maniapoto be recognised as a partner in the design and delivery of health services to achieve better health outcomes for whānau across the King Country.