Elevating Whānau Voices at Te Matatini 2025
Our dedicated Whānau Voice team from Te Tiratū IMPB, who travel across our rohe, proudly attended Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 in February.
While 55 incredible groups took the stage at Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands, the real magic happened behind the scenes—a cherished time of whakawhanaungatanga with the Māori backbone of Hauora.
Ngā mihi nui to Te Punanga o Te Ao Iwi Māori Partnership Board in Taranaki for your manaakitanga. Congratulations to Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue for claiming the championship title!
Throughout the event, we connected with a diverse cross-section of hāpori—whānau, dedicated Māori health providers, rangahau leading vital research, expert Hauora advisors, peak bodies, professors, and public servants—all committed to strengthening our collective wellbeing.
Special mihi to all the wonderful kaimahi at Te Atawhai o Te Ao Independent Māori Institute for Environment & Health, New Zealand Heart Foundation, Cancer Society, Te Rau Ora, Toi Tangata, Manawa Ora, Te Ataaranga Trust, Netsafe, Office of Vice Chancellor Māori at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Māori Health Directorate and National Public Health Service at Te Whatu Ora.
Photo: Marama Tauranga, Chief Nursing Advisor Māori Health Directorate Te Whatu Ora, Megan Tunks Te TiratūIMPB Whanau Voice, Riki Nia Nia CE Te Rau Ora
Keep an eye out for our distinctive Te Tiratū flag flying proudly at local events across the rohe this year!
Our team will be there to listen to whānau about what being healthy and well looks like, what is working well or not working well, what is the biggest health or wellbeing challenge, what would make it easier to access the support, how can health services be improved?
Because the statutory role of Te Tiratū is to advocate for whānau trying to navigate the complex health system, especially with the many changes happening at the moment.
The ripple effects of uncertainty and instability in the health system on whānau are profound, particularly for those facing serious health conditions like cancer.
We tautoko the ongoing pain points faced by whānau when accessing healthcare such as the cost and long wait times for GP appointments, transport and parking issues at hospitals, and lack of kai and comfort during visits.
Through Whānau Voice we are collecting all your whakaaro in our regular reports to Te Whatu Ora to play out part in transforming the health system so it is accessible and equitable for our hāpori.
Photo: Credited to Te Matatini Enterprises via NZHerald
Achieving progress & collaboration regionally with Te Manawa Taki IMPB collective
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.
Uniting nationally to strengthen Māori Health outcomes
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.