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.
Pharmac consultation on proposal to amend the Special Authority access criteria for type 2 diabetes medicines
Our Co-Chair Glen Tupuhi has sent a submission on behalf of Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board opposing Pharmac’s proposal to remove ethnic equity criteria for type 2 diabetes medicines (SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists). The consultation closes 11 June 2026.
Te Tiratū Stakeholder Forum
Our forums provide updates on our activities and the current environment, create space to hear directly from our Hauora Providers, and feature guest presenters speaking to kaupapa relevant to our Provider community. [This is a closed event, however if you are a Provider and would like to attend please contact us]
Medical Council of NZ submission on cultural competence & cultural safety
Our Board member, clinician and Senior Lecturer in Medical Education at the University of Auckland, Dr Mataroria Lyndon has responded to new draft guidance from the Medical Council of New Zealand on cultural competence, cultural safety, and hauora Māori.