Iwi-Māori Partnership Unveils Plan To Boost Health Outcomes From Taumarunui To Whanganui

The health partnership board representing iwi from
Taumarunui to Whanganui has launched its first community
health plan to boost Māori wellbeing and tackle health
inequities.

Te Mātuku Iwi-Māori Partnership Board
released the strategic plan today (Wednesday), outlining
high-level intentions and priorities for the next five
years.

The plan focuses on “culturally attuned and
responsive” health and wellbeing outcomes.

Manu
taiko/chief executive Elijah Pue said the initiative aims to
advance the health and wellbeing of Māori communities
within the Te Ranga Tupua region, which takes in Whanganui,
Rangitīkei, Ruapehu and South Taranaki.

“Our plan
is a significant step toward addressing longstanding health
inequities affecting Māori and the wider community,” Pue
said.

“By engaging with whānau, hapū and iwi, we
are committed to ensuring that healthcare is accessible and
culturally appropriate, meeting the unique needs and
aspirations of all who call this place home.”

The
plan identifies key health priorities, including mental
health and wellbeing, rural access and healthcare
sustainability, mokopuna ora (child and adolescent
wellbeing), kaumātua ora (health of older people), and
preventative health initiatives.

These priorities were
informed by the voices of whānau and health needs
assessments across the rohe, Pue said.

Te Mātuku is
made up of representatives from 11 iwi stretching from Ngaa
Rauru Kiitahi to Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa, and from Ngāti
Hāua to Tūpoho.

Iwi-Māori health partnership boards
(IMPBs) were created in 2022 under the previous Government
to support the health sector to meet the needs of their
communities.

When the new Government disbanded Te Aka
Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority, then-Health Minister
Shane Reti retained IMPBs, saying he would expand their
roles to encompass healthcare planning and delivery,
including making funding decisions to meet local health
needs.

In September, Reti said IMPBs would be the
primary source of whānau voice in the health system and
influence regional strategies.

They are expected to
begin a strategic commissioning role in July to inform Te
Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand commissioning
activities.

The five-year plan outlines strategic
commissioning, monitoring and accountability frameworks to
track progress and promote continuous improvement in service
delivery by Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand.

Te
Mātuku said by bridging local Māori perspectives with the
health sector, it aims to improve hauora Māori outcomes and
foster a health system that is responsive and effective for
Māori communities.

Te Mātuku manu tohikura/co-chair
Honey Winter said collaboration was crucial.

“We
must work with everyone in the sector to realise the dreams
and aspirations identified by our whānau.

“By
working together and listening to our communities, we can
develop effective strategies to improve health outcomes for
future generations,” Winter said.

Manu
tohikura/co-chair Te Aroha McDonnell said the board’s
vision was to uphold the principles of self-determination,
leadership and unity, and ensure that whānau, hapū and iwi
receive the care and support they need.

“This plan
is a testament to our commitment to preserving the
inheritance of taonga tuku iho (treasures) and fostering a
sustainable future for our mokopuna (future generations),”
McDonnell said.

The plan is part of Te Mātuku’s
wider functions, described in the Pae Ora (Health Futures)
Act 2022.

It can be accessed at Te Mātuku’s website
www.tematuku.maori.nz.

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