July 2014:
Whānau Ora providers and collectives from around the country came together to celebrate this new step, share stories of success and detail how key challenges have been overcome. Ministers of Parliament, shared their views and researchers and academics provided insight into analysis and key outcomes.
Ngaroma Grant, Project Manager for Te Arawa Whānau Ora was invited to speak and shared her experiences and insights into establishing a successful Whānau Ora Collective.
Ms Grant detailed the Te Arawa Whānau Ora journey of developing the key elements needed to build an organisation which was responsive to whānau as well as Providers within the collective.
These elements included the creation of a Governance Board, Whānau Advisory Group, Workforce Development Group, dedicated Paearahi within each Provider organisation, a robust database system to maintain and manage all key information and an integrated website, social network and communications strategy that proactively seeks to engage and inform whānau wanting more information.
14 members of the Collective were able to attend and it was a valuable experience for all.
About Te Pou Matakana
The kaupapa of the newly established agency is to work alongside whānau to understand what they need to be successful and then work with Providers to meet the needs of the whānau.
The new Board of Te Pou Matakana consists of Tania Rangiheuea, Suzanne Snively, Robin Hapi and Pahia Turia, the chair is Merepeka Raukawa-Tait.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait explained the key goals of Whānau Ora saying,“the aim overall is for our whānau to be strong, self-sufficient, self-managing and taking control of their own lives.”
Working together with both Collectives and Providers is critical and the agency will be guided by their commitment to work together to help Providers design and deliver services that not only target current and emerging needs, but take into account the long-term needs of whānau.
In terms of funding Te Pou Matakana, the agency will fund Providers to deliver services to whānau and also deliver resources directly to whānau in moments that matter. The agency is also seeking co-investments from other entities (including Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education and Housing New Zealand) to further develop initiatives.
Te Pou Matakana have stressed the importance of Providers retaining ownership of the detailed design and delivery of their services to whānau.
- For more information please visit their website.
