#MāoriHealth

Te Tiratū IMPB hosted the Te Manawa Taki Iwi Māori Partnership Board collective regional hui in Kirikiriroa in February, with six IMPBs participating: Te Tiratū, Toitu Tairāwhiti, Te Moana a Toi, Te Taura Ora o Waiariki, Tūwharetoa, and Te Pūnanga Ora. Presentations included updates from each board, discussions on data platforms, data-sharing agreements, data sovereignty, cyber security and building capacity in data governance. A Pharmac senior executive and Board member explained its role in the health system, its approach to pharmaceutical supply and prioritisation, and the need for earlier engagement with Māori in the decision-making process. Toitu Te Waiora presented on employment training outlining its ongoing work with Māori and Pasifika communities to ensure diverse voices are represented in workforce development. Te Whatu Ora Hauora Māori kaimahi provided a detailed update on the health system’s current status, focus on cost-saving measures, structural changes, and the current review of Pae Tū: Hauora Māori Strategy. They highlighted the appointment of new CEOs and a 12-month task force aimed at improving clinical safety to address regional challenges, particularly in Tairāwhiti and Whakatāne. Moving forward, there is a focus on strengthening governance, enhancing data transparency, and ensuring the sustainability of Māori health priorities within both regional and national health strategies.

Photos from Left to right: Trevor Simpson, Kaituruki Māori Director Māori, Pharmac with Te Tumu Whakarae of Te Tiratū, Brandi Hudson, Te Manawa Taki IMPB collective in session, Selah Hart, Maiaka Hapori Deputy Chief Executive, Public and Population Health, Te Whatu Ora.

In January 2025, Te Tiratū IMPB joined Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs) from across the motu at a national hui convened by Te Taumata Hauora o Te Kahu o Taonui – Te Tai Tokerau IMPB in Tāmaki Makaurau. This kaupapa focused on whakawhanaungatanga, sharing regional priorities, and strengthening governance strategies to ensure collective impact. A key highlight was the demonstration of data mapping by Health Quality and Safety Commission engaged by Āti Awa Toa Hauora, showcasing how data-driven insights can identify inequities and inform strategic health planning and policy design.The hui reinforced the importance of kotahitanga in governance, operational planning, and advocacy, particularly in a shifting political landscape. IMPBs together appreciate the strength of their unified voice to influence health policies, secure sustainable funding and aligning national and regional priorities to drive better health outcomes for whānau. With a focus on equity and Māori-led solutions, the discussions set the foundation for strategic collaborations, improved data-sharing agreements, and targeted health initiatives that put whānau at the centre. Te Tiratū will continue to engage with key stakeholders, advocate for systemic change, and amplify the voices of our rohe in shaping a stronger, more responsive health system.

Photo: Co-chair Hagen Tautari with our board member Kataraina Hodge viewing data sets by the Health Quality and Safety Commission.