From Vision To Legacy: Te Kōhao Health Celebrates 30 Years | Striving To Make A Difference For Everyone In Health

“Build it, and they will come”—that was the vision
that launched Te Kōhao Health in 1994 as a marae-based
health centre and urban authority dedicated to serving ngā
mataawaka in Kirikiriroa.

Three decades later, with
patron Te Makau Ariki Te Atawhai Paki, wife of the late
Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, Te Kōhao
Health is celebrating its thirtieth by cutting the
celebratory cake.

“Te
Kōhao started with a dream at Kirikiriroa Marae to be a
‘one stop shop’ for those living away from their iwi and
hapū who were not living within their tribal area,” said
Lady Tureiti Moxon, Managing Director of Te Kōhao
Health.

These days it provides health services to more
than 8,500 whānau. The work of Te Kōhao was seen by many
Hamiltonians during COVID-19 and it is a significant
employer within the sector.

“It has steadily brought
that vision to life in countless ways, with whānau always
at the heart of everything Te Kōhao has ever focused on,”
she said.

“We’ve witnessed our growth across
education, health, corrections, justice, and the
strengthening of our own tikanga and cultural values—which
on reflection perhaps is the greatest gift of
all.”

“This includes the emergence of our own arts
and crafts, along with the development of practices rooted
in rongoā, each carrying powerful healing
qualities.”

“When we talk about te ao Māori, with
rongoā as an integral part, health, wellness, and healing
are at its core—which is particularly vital for those
whānau impacted by generations of government policies that
have suffered trauma over a number of
generations.”

Lady Tureiti adds that despite working
in a Western framework the Māori Health provider and
Whānau Ora partner that serves thousands has built a legacy
through consistently honouring its vision day in and day
out.

“Kia whakatinanatia, te ihi, te wehi, te wana,
te tino rangatira me te hauoranga o te whānau – living
our tino rangatira through strong, healthy, vibrant and
prosperous whānau.”

“What we have seen is that
given the right opportunities, given the right support,
whānau can thrive. And that’s the legacy that I would
want to see.”

The real milestone today for Te Kōhao
Health has been the development of its staff and the
partnerships it has forged with Pacific Radiology and Health
Radiology New Zealand, to provide imaging and outpatient
services—”right here in our community”—a first for
this country.

“This innovative approach, when
Taakiri Tuu, our wellness and diagnostic centre was launched
in April, is the culmination of 30 years of dedication. Our
partnership with Te Whatu Ora in relation to the
availability for outpatient clinics in the community is
another is pivotal as another step in our
journey.”

The partnership solidifies Te Kōhao
Health’s commitment to transform healthcare through early
intervention and tackling the preventable diseases that
impact whānau Māori.

The services provided at Taakiri
Tuu clinic
include:

• Mammography
• Colonoscopy
• Women’s
  Health
• Sexual
  Health
• Midwifery
• Breast
  Feeding
• Pediatrics
• New Born
  Hearing
• Audiology Children
  Screening
• Bronchiatist
• Child
  Psychologist
• Podiatry
• Cancer
  Services

Mahi Toi services
include:

• Raranga
• Therapeutic
  Carving
• Hapū Wananga

Pacific Radiology
services
include:

• X-Ray
• Ultrasound
• Pregnancy
  Ultrasound
• CT scan
• Breast
  Screening

“Taakiri Tuu is a new way of
working—a collaborative approach to pooling resources and
delivering specialised care directly within our
community.”

“Through partnerships with various
health services, including Te Whatu Ora and hospital
specialists, our people can access critical healthcare close
to home, breaking down barriers and paving the way for
lasting change in how healthcare is provided,” Lady
Tureiti said.

Reminding all of the wisdom of the
whakatauki of the first Māori Kiingi Potatau Te
Wherowhero.

“Kotahi ano te kohao o te ngira e kuhuna
ai te miro mā, te miro whero me te miro pango -There is but
one which the white, red and black threads must pass.
Everyone is welcome
here.”

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