NICOLA COBURN
The author is a Te Tauihu-based communications and public relations consultant.
Māori in Nelson Tasman are being asked to share their experiences in the local health system as work continues to tackle persistent inequities.
Te Kāhui Hauora o Te Tauihu is the Iwi Māori Partnership Board (IMPBs) for the top of the South Island. It is one of 16 IMPBs set up around the country in 2022 to ensure the voices of Māori are heard in healthcare decision-making and improve hauora outcomes for Māori.
Along with iwi partners, Te Kāhui Hauora is in the midst of a six-month conversation with whānau Māori across Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough about hauora.
Pouwhakahaere Dr Kim Ngawhika said despite persistent data showing serious inequities for Māori in Te Tauihu, across a range of public health indicators, progress was lacking.
“What is missing in the system data is the experiences and voice of whānau, and to us, that’s the most important thing. Change doesn’t come through spreadsheets; it comes by listening and supporting the aspirations of our communities.”
Whānau Voice Te Tauihu runs to 31 May. As well as contributing via iwi forums, whānau can take part in a universal online survey open to all Māori.
Dr Ngawhika said it was important that local iwi members, as well as mātā waka (Māori who whakapapa to iwi outside of the region), had the opportunity to contribute and help further define hauora priorities for Te Tauihu.
“The more of us who contribute, the stronger we can advocate and help navigate a future where hauora outcomes are the same for all.”
Go to https://tekahui.co.nz/whanau-voice-survey/ to find out more.
