te-tara-o-te-whai

Community Voice Ignites Free Denture Initiative in Hauraki

aimee.brocklehurst@haurakipho.org.nz (aimee brocklehurst) — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:41:23 GMT

MEDIA RELEASE

Community Voice Ignites Free Denture Initiative in Hauraki

(Pictured left to right- Dr. Terrence Reid, Michelle Paekau-Neho and Dr. Hyrum Martin)

With a commitment to improving health outcomes for all in Hauraki and a dedication to responding to community voice, former locality Te Tara o Te Whai marks yet another significant step towards addressing health barriers in Hauraki. In partnership with dental provider Waikato Dental, Te Tara o Te Whai has officially launched their free mobile denture initiative, Niho Kēhua ki Hauraki, available to those living in Hauraki.

Oral health has been identified as a top health priority for the Hauraki region, and through community engagement, this has fuelled the development of a tailored oral health and denture initiative that scratches the surface towards addressing the extensive need for funded oral health care.

“Born out of community voice, our denture initiative ‘Niho Kēhua ki Hauraki” provides a full-circle pathway of treatment for whānau who are needing partial or full dentures,” explains Te Tara o Te Whai Programme Manager Michelle Paekau-Neho. “From feedback received through our current oral health initiative, many whānau were without teeth and unable to entertain the idea of dentures due to cost being a confronting barrier for most. In creating a denture initiative, we have been able to provide a complete pathway of full oral health care to those otherwise unable to while simultaneously restoring the confidence of many”. There have been 66 expressions of interest received to date.

The partnership with Waikato Dental includes Director and dentist Dr. Hyrum Martin, who operates alongside Dr. Terrence Reid. Dr. Hyrum explained, “Waikato Dental spends a lot of time in small communities offering their mobile dental service to people who were previously unable to access dental care.”.

With a shared vision for improving health outcomes in small communities, collaboration between Te Tara o Te Whai and Waikato Dental was a “no-brainer.” Dr. Terrence Reid adds, “If I could sum it up in one sentence or a phrase, what I think it's really about is the people. Or if I ask myself why I do dentistry? It's for the people”.

“It becomes an extremely rewarding job to deliver treatment to people who are otherwise unable to access care, especially in those remote areas. Being able to give people a positive outlook on not only dentistry itself but their own personal well-being and boost to their confidence by restoring their smile is really just the cherry on top, adds Dr. Terrence. “A lot of people face, for a long time, the inability to eat, and, as we have learnt through this collaboration, leads to problems associated with malnourishment.

“People hold on to a lot of pain for a long period of time, so being able to alleviate these issues drives the work we do.”

The entire denture process takes between three to four months for patients to receive their completed dentures.

The current mobile oral health initiative, Niho Ora ki Hauraki, in collaboration with Dental Planet, has successfully provided fully funded treatment to more than 350 people in Hauraki. There are two final launches scheduled in the New Year. Niho Ora ki Hauraki will be operating out of Kaiaua during the January school holidays and then again in Manaia amid the April school holidays.

With a mission of pursuing outcomes, equity, and well-being, backbone support from Te Puna Hauora Matua o Hauraki (Hauraki PHO) has been integral in the success of community initiatives led by Te Tara o Te Whai. Funding received from Health NZ Te Whatu Ora has also been a huge driving factor in the sustainability of both oral health and denture initiatives.

Expressions of interest are open for both initiatives, with applications accessible via Te Tara o Te Whai’s website or Facebook page.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Aimee Brocklehurst, Te Tara o Te Whai Communications Lead

aimee.brocklehurst@haurakipho.org.nz

027 299 7428

Te Tara o Te Whai Partners with Dental Planet to Successfully Launch New Innovative Oral Health Initiative in Hauraki

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 05:29:19 GMT

MEDIA RELEASE

Te Tara o Te Whai Partners with Dental Planet to Successfully Launch New Innovative Oral Health Initiative in Hauraki.

Te Tara o Te Whai, a pioneering locality prototype rooted in Hauraki, proudly announces the launch of a funded grassroots oral health initiative in collaboration with Dental Planet, Niho Ora ki Hauraki. Crafted in response to the resounding voice of whānau and community, Te Tara o Te Whai has identified oral health as one of Hauraki's top health priorities, which has led to the development of a tailored oral health service that, in partnership with Dental Planet, addresses the urgent, unmet oral health need that is prevalent within Hauraki.

The partnership with Dental Planet marks a significant step towards providing accessible and essential dental care to eligible adults in Hauraki aged 19 and over who cannot access such services. The oral health initiative offers comprehensive exams, x-rays, extractions, fillings, and hygiene procedures, aiming to alleviate pain and discomfort. To date, Niho Ora ki Hauraki has successfully delivered oral health care to 108 individuals across Thames and Manaia.

One recipient of dental care who accessed the service in Manaia shared, "Niho Ora ki Hauraki has exceeded my expectations. Beyond the dental work, the entire journey has significantly enhanced my Hinengaro (mental and emotional well-being) and Wairua (spiritual). Dental care is a desperate need in our rural communities; this initiative has been a blessing for all of us in Manaia, providing a huge financial relief. A heartfelt thank you to all who made this service a reality for those who live rurally and are too far away to access these services. Nga mihi nui." This pivotal community feedback emphasises the need for continued funding of health opportunities.

Michelle Paekau-Neho, the Programme Manager for Te Tara o Te Whai, expressed her enthusiasm towards the initiative, stating, "By leveraging place-based planning and grassroots decision-making, we are proud to deliver a service that directly responds to the voices of our whānau."

By interweaving the Māori cultural value of Manaakitanga, showing respect, generosity, and a high level of care for others, this makes Niho Ora ki Hauraki unique to existing oral-health services as it acts to ease the specific barriers experienced by the rural communities in Hauraki.

This initiative targets areas within the Hauraki Region that have the highest levels of unmet need, including Manaia, Kaiaua, Paeroa, Waihi, and Thames. The mobile service will rotate through these priority rural areas during the remaining school holiday breaks, delivering two weeks of dental care to each location.

In light of recent announcements by Minister Reti halting further localities' work, this initiative is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. Michelle emphasised, "While external decisions may impact our work, our commitment to listening to and delivering for our community remains unwavering. Place-based planning enables us to address local needs effectively, and we are excited to witness its expansion across Aotearoa."

The launch of Te Tara o Te Whai's oral health initiative marks a significant milestone in their commitment to improving the health and well-being outcomes of Hauraki communities. Through collaboration and community empowerment, they aim to set a precedent for inclusive and responsive healthcare services nationwide.

END OF RELEASE

For media inquiries, please contact:

Aimee Brocklehurst, Te Tara o Te Whai Communications Lead

aimee.brocklehurst@haurakipho.org.nz

027 299 7428

Careers Roadshow 2024

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 03:15:42 GMT

Te Tara o Te Whai recently attended the 2024 Careers Roadshow during its final leg in Thames.

Thames-Coromandel District Council facilitated the 2024 Careers Roadshow, held over a week at five secondary schools around Pare Hauraki. The goal was to provide rangatahi with career information and opportunities in their senior year.

Many rangatahi engaged with the team at the roadshow and shared kōrero on the difficulties they experience when choosing a profession in health.

The following insights were captured from rangatahi:

Promotion of Health

Promotion of health and well-being services needs to happen in schools through wānanga/presentation. Explain what it means to work in the health industry.
Promote the benefits of working in health.
Promotion of Rongoa and Rongoa wānanga.

Myths around health

Find ways to inspire those who “don’t feel worthy” to pursue a career in health.
Remove the stigma that you have to be at the top of the class to work in Hauora.

Barriers for rangatahi wanting to pursue a career in health

Rangatahi are experiencing a lack of support either in school or at home.
Finding NCEA to be a lot of pressure.
There are not enough practical learning opportunities available for rangatahi to give it a go.

Niho Ora ki Hauraki Thames Launch

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 02:43:02 GMT

As the first round of Niho Ora ki Hauraki concludes in Thames, we are excited to acknowledge its success.

Based at Pito Hauora in Thames, Niho Ora ki Hauraki operated for two weeks, from the end of January to the beginning of February. Assisting patients to and from treatments and aiding with documentation when required, Te Tara o Te Whai Kaimanaaki supported whānau attending appointments.

Dental Planet provided hygiene cleanings, fillings, and extractions throughout treatment. Over two weeks, Alfred and his staff at Dental Planet were able to treat more than fifty patients. With Thames holding the greatest demand, we are happy to celebrate the success of Niho Ora ki Hauraki's first round of funded dental treatments.

The following are insights captured from whānau about their experience with Niho Ora ki Hauraki:

“Since I was six years old, I have had an infection in my upper gums, which has continued to rot my top teeth into adulthood. I feel fear and shame. I haven't gone to WINZ because the workers are local, which is embarrassing! I am so thankful to hear about this service because my only other option was to save up and eventually go overseas. It will take me too long to save up, and my teeth will get worse!”

“I think this initiative is amazing and will help so many people who really need dental care, and I appreciate what you are doing. Even if I don't get seen, this is still amazing mahi you are contributing, so thank you.”

“I just want to acknowledge the team for making it possible for our community and the wider community to access a service that caters to dental health.”

"I’m just out of school and haven’t saved much money, so this was an amazing service."
"Over exceeded my expectations; the dentist and assistant were very gentle and lovely, made me feel at ease."

"Very well, hospitality is comforting being a Māori myself"

"Working part-time as a student on a tight budget, I wouldn’t be in the dentist’s chair today if it weren’t for the dental initiative."

"So many parents will put their children first, so this dental service has been a blessing for me."

Zara (dentist) – "One of my clients made me cry; I was so overwhelmed by her gratitude that she had bought me nail polish to give thanks.”

Niho Ora ki Hauraki Overview

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 02:07:44 GMT

In collaboration with Te Whatu Ora, Dental Planet, and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), we are happy to announce our free mobile dental initiative, Niho Ora ki Hauraki!

The significant demand among our Hauraki communities for a free mobile dental service that can be delivered closer to home led to the launch of the Niho Ora ki Hauraki initiative. Niho Ora Ki Hauraki will be travelling across Hauraki throughout 2024 to areas with the highest unmet need, including; Thames, Manaia, Paeroa, Waihī, and Kaiaua. Dental treatment includes x-rays, general check-ups, hygiene cleaning, fillings, and extractions.

To be eligible for this initiative, you need to be:

Committed to attending both the initial dental screening and treatment appointments
Aged 19 years and over
Eligible for a Community Services Card
Living in Hauraki.

If you meet the eligibility criteria or require additional assistance from our team, please fill out the expression of interest form below, and someone in our team will give you a call.

Expression of interest (monday.com)

Please note that completing the expression of interest form does not guarantee an appointment. Our team will do our best to reach as many whānau as possible.

Kahu Taurima Consultation Wānanga Thames

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 02:54:40 GMT

Facilitated by Khadine Topia, our Kahu Taurima team hosted their first consultation wānanga.

The wānanga aimed to gain perspective about the design and delivery of the Taurima te Pā Harakeke programme. It was also an opportunity for the team to gain insight into some of the experiences whānau have when accessing hapū māmā services and the ways whānau think they could be improved.

The following are insights captured on the day:

What has not worked well through your hapūtanga, birthing pathway?

Changing midwives.
Continuously repeating my story.
Travel.
Missed appointments due to a lack of funds for transport.
No follow-up care/aftercare was received.
Not enough support for māmā and pēpi.
No support for tāne/pāpā.
Finding a midwife.
Birthing centre options are limited.

What other factors impacted your hapū journey?

Unable to conceive – need for traditional practices.
Mental health.
No whānau support.
Māmā not coping – advised to foster out.
Single parent.
Not able to manage housework.
Travel costs.
Needing to travel.
Lack of services.
Access to services and support.
Waharoa was closed before arrival.
Dental.

Ngātea Community Wānanga

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 02:04:49 GMT

The Ngātea community were able to share their whakaaro about how health services could be improved.

In collaboration with Health Ngātea, the team hosted a community wānanga, which took place at the Ngātea War Memorial Hall on December 2nd, 2023.

The community wānanga served as an opportunity to gain insight into how health services are currently being delivered to the Ngātea community. Ideas were further investigated to determine how to better deliver these services in the future.

Some key feedback included:

Technology

Technology gaps in the system cause significant wait times for GP services.
The older population does not have access to technology. Alternate forms of engagement need to be explored.
Communication and keeping up with changes in NGO's.
There is a need to increase the number of virtual consultations available.

Workforce Development

The complexity of the need is growing.
Supporting Waikato Medical School.
There is a need to promote the benefits of working in our rural areas.
Keep our workforce close to home.
Demand has increased for St. John’s services
There are duplications of services. This creates confusion.
A directory of services would be useful.

Elderly Care

Need for more rest homes.
There is a lack of day programmes available for dementia patients.
Lack of support workers/kaiāwhina.

Transportation

Lack of transportation services.

Te Huarahi Hui

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 03:28:54 GMT

A collaboration between the New Zealand Police, Ngatī Maru Rūnanga and the Ministry of Social Development.

Te Huarahi is a joint approach towards supporting rangatahi in Hauraki (14-24 years of age) to achieve their milestones.

The hui included a mix of kaimahi representing a range of different organisations, including iwi, community and social services, local government, and central government members.

Hauraki Cultural Festival 2023

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 03:56:46 GMT

Hosted by Hikutaia Marae, Te Tara o Te Whai attended the 50th annual Hauraki Cultural Festival in Te Aroha.

This year, our team was fortunate enough to attend the Hauraki Cultural Festival to promote our kaupapa alongside Pito Hauora and other service providers around Pare Hauraki.

Our team was able to share rich kōreros with members of Pare Hauraki, with the most common theme from whānau being the need for more Māori models of care available in mainstream health and better mental health support services.

Kaimanaaki, Amaru Donaldson, conducted several interviews with whānau at the Hauraki Cultural Festival. You can click on the video to the right to watch!

The following are insights gathered from whānau on what they would like to see more of delivered to the community:

Māori Models of Care

Te Hauora o Whānau Māori. Mai ngā pēpē ki ngā kaumātua. Mai te puku ki te mate.
Rongoa Māori.
Mirimiri Māori.
Free health services for our Māori people.
Natural medicines.
Accessing Māori health services from my home on my phone via an 0800 number.

Support

Advocates assisting those who need support mentally/financially.
Lack of support groups for tāne.
Transport service for hospital patients.

Access and Availability

Easier access to health services keeps costs low.
Local GP access.
Acute Clinic availability.

Addiction Services

Drug and alcohol help for adults.
Mā ngā Rangatahi Māori (Addiction).

Waihī Community Wānanga

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 04:22:12 GMT

Te Tara o Te Whai hosted their first community wānanga in Waihī on October 28th.

This was an opportunity to share about the localities' journey so far and why whānau voice is important to capture. The wānanga alternatively provides a space for whānau to kōrero openly about healthcare and the well-being services they would like to see improved.

The team would like to thank the principal of Waihī East School, Briar Scott, for allowing Te Tara o Te Whai to utilise the school hall to host the wānanga.

The following are insights gathered from the wānanga:

Access to GP services

Long wait times.
There is a need for more promotion of GP services in Waihī through social media.
Whānau who try to access these services out of hours experience confusing messages on what to do next.

Consistent Mobile Unit Visits

Making sure that regular mobile services are consistent with the locations and expectations of whānau and communities.

Dental Care

Dental care is very expensive, and wait times are long .

Kuia/Kaumātua Event

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 20:08:52 GMT

Facilitated by Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, Te Tara o Te Whai team was invited to attend a Kuia/Kaumātua rōpu hui this September.

Also in attendance were the Eastern Coromandel Community Services Trust and staff from the Whangamatā Medical Centre.

Just over 50 people from within the Whangamatā community gathered at the Whangamatā War Memorial Hall to discuss community health priorities. Health providers were able to gain insight into the services that are currently available in Whangamatā.

Paeroa Hauora Day 2023

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:46:43 GMT

Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki hosted an amazing ‘Whānau Day Out’.

The event aimed to provide a fun and interactive day to connect and promote local health and community services within the Hauraki rohe to our local whānau.

Key insights recorded throughout the day about unmet needs are:

Rangatahi

Support for rangatahi.
Rangatahi services.

Access

Availability and access to GP services.
Access to dental services.

Cost

Cost of services.
Cost to live and raise Tamariki.
Lack of financial help.

Rural Workforce

Promotion of health and wellbeing services.
The need for more doctors.

Housing

Ensuring whānau are warm, housed, and healthy.

HPV Whānau Day Out

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 20:17:55 GMT

In celebration of the new HPV primary screening rollout, Pito Hauora hosted an event including free screening services, kai, coffee, and facepainting for tamariki.

This took place at the Pito Hauora screening hub based in Thames, found within the Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki compound.

Services provided by Pito Hauora included immunisations, diabetes, vision tests, and bowel, breast, and cervical screening. Whānau were provided the opportunity to engage with these services and providers, along with our Te Tara o Te Whai team.

The National Cervical Screening Programme rolled out the new HPV primary screening tool on September 12th, 2023. This new tool allows wāhine to self-swab, ensuring a more private, less invasive screening. To access this free HPV primary screening tool, you can check out the eligibility criteria here .

Throughout the day, Te Tara o Te Whai Kaimanaaki were able to engage with whānau and ask them about their thoughts on health.

When asked what health services whānau would like to see improved, some of the main themes were:

Availability/Accessibility

Availability of all services.
Cheaper or free services.
Longer GP appointments.
Quicker access to services/support.
Better time management would mean fewer wait times.
Dental for adults.

More Support Workers

Someone to listen to me effectively and doctors who can explain things more easily.
Mental health crisis team.

Māori/Holistic Models of Care

Holistic approach.
Seen through a Māori lens.
Cultural diversity .

Zero Data

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:33:47 GMT

For some New Zealanders, the cost of mobile data can be a barrier to accessing essential health and wellbeing information and digital health services. Those who cannot access information and services often have the highest needs.

The Zero Data initiative allows the public to access key health sector websites via mobile phone without incurring data use charges. Zero Data removes this barrier by providing free access to key health sector websites accessed through the www.zero.govt.nz website for anyone using the Spark, Skinny, One NZ, 2degrees, Warehouse Mobile, Slingshot or Orcon mobile networks.

Zero Data is a joint initiative with a number of agencies, including ACC, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, Kāinga Ora, the Ministry of Social Development
and the Department of Internal Affairs.

Using and joining Zero Data

How to access a sponsored website
If your mobile phone is connected to the Spark, Skinny, One NZ, 2degrees, Warehouse Mobile, Slingshot or Orcon networks, all you need to do is visit www.zero.govt.nz and navigate using the tiles. Most health information is located within the Health (Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand) section.

The kinds of content you can access
The focus of Zero Data is on websites that provide key health information, support your mental health and wellbeing, or allow you to access digital health services. All content on a website accessed through Zero Data is free to access from your mobile device if you are connected to a participating mobile network. Please note that there may be some limitations where websites include content from, or links to other websites – this is to ensure that only approved content is accessed through the portal.

Visit the zero.govt.nz website to see participating agencies, and health websites.

For more info visit

Understanding our community, what our whānau have told us

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:25:53 GMT

Te Tara O Te Whai has gathered community insights from a Health Forum in Te Aroha, QR survey and one-on-one with individuals.

We asked our people, “what services would you like to see improved within your community?” our people responded with:

The need for more integrated models of care
Need for better wheelchair access when attending appointments at Waikato hospital.
Need to look at transport options to support rural access services at Waikato Hospital. I.e, park n ride option. Park the vehicle at a designated spot, a bus will pick up passengers to take to the hospital. The bus will need to run daily.
There is a need for a warm, inviting space where people can make a cuppa while waiting for the health shuttle to pick them up from Waikato Hospital. The transit lounge is cold and uninviting.
Thames Hospital was acknowledged for its marketing. “Thames Hospital is a hidden treasure; I feel well taken care of when I visit” whānau voice.
Te Aroha health shuttle was acknowledged for its support in transporting patients to day appointments.
Need for health specialists to understand people’s backgrounds, this would make life easier for whānau.
“Put themselves in our shoes upon the first meeting and take another perspective other than a Drs one, I think this will help the Drs provide better information” whānau voice.
Need for food security.

Over the next three months, Khadine Topia from Astute Consultancy Limited will be supporting Te Tara o Te Whai to gather insights from Hapu Māma and whānau with tamariki under 5. Thank you to our community for their willingness to share their healthcare experience with our team.

Better Futures Hauraki

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 05:32:11 GMT

Hauraki District Council hosted Better Futures Hauraki, a forum focused on community wellbeing.

The forum allows local community organisations, such as schools in the district, to voice the social impacts they experience. There were about fifty attendees present.

The following are key insights that were shared at the forum:

50% of students don't attend school due to illness, trauma, and poverty. Schools are taking on massive challenges to support Rangatahi.
The Ministry of Education prioritises increasing student attendance and improving long-term pathways into employment and tertiary.
Hauraki Plains College has zero year 13 Māori students studying science.
Local food banks are struggling to keep up with demand after food insecurity has doubled over the past year.
Whānau living in emergency care (motels) in Waihī struggle to find sustainable housing.
There are staff shortages in volunteering, health, education, and social work.
Older populations in our community are suffering from a degree of separation from whānau.

Cyclone Gabrielle Welfare Support Grant - extended to 31 August 2023

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 05:10:33 GMT

On behalf of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

The close-off date for applications has been extended until 31 August 2023. Please complete the application form electronically and send it to claims@nema.govt.nz

Before you submit your application, make sure you have done all of the following:

Read the Cyclone Gabrielle Welfare Support Grant eligibility guidelines on this page
Completed all the information about your organisation in Section 1
Completed all the information about your claim in Section 2
Read and completed the declaration in Section 3
Attached independent verification of your bank account details, showing your organisation’s name, bank name, and account number (such as a deposit slip, header of bank statement, or screenshot from internet banking)
Attached supporting documentation for the expenditure (such as GST invoices, where available)

Download a .pdf version of the Cyclone Gabrielle Welfare Support Grant application form here (.pdf 253kb)

Download a .docx version of the Cyclone Gabrielle Welfare Support Grant application form here (.docx 112kb)

Te Puna Hauora Matua o Hauraki Board Meeting

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 09:10:09 GMT

Te Puna Hauora Matua o Hauraki Board Meeting

Board members recently met with Te Puna Hauora Matua o Hauraki management team to kōrero on the strategic direction for Primary Health Organisation’s (PHO’s), strategic priorities and the role of localities in system change and responsiveness to whānau voice.

David Taipari, Chair for the Hauraki Māori Trust Board and Hauraki representative on Te Tiratū the Tainui Iwi Māori Partnership Board (IMPB) gave an update on the process for the IMPB being gazetted and added to the Pae Ora Act schedule.

For more info click here

Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall visits

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 09:02:46 GMT

In March, Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall met with the team at Matai Whetu Marae, Thames to hear some of the challenges and opportunities Hauraki are facing and how we responded to adverse weather events. It was wonderful to see Minister Verrall focus on resiliency planning and ensure we are equipped to deal with this kind of weather event in the future.

Te Aroha Community Health Forum

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 06:01:18 GMT

Te Whatu Ora's Community Engagement team assisted in facilitating the community engagement hui in Te Aroha.

Current health reforms and the locality kaupapa and planning process were shared to gauge insights into what the community would like reflected in Te Aroha. There were a total of fifteen attendees.

Key insights gathered include:

Accessibility

Waikato Hospital needs improved wheelchair accessibility
Te Aroha Health Shuttle successfully transfers patients to and from daily appointments.
Daily transport options must be explored to deliver care for whānau living in rural areas.
The need for more integrated models of care

Experience

There is a need for a warm, inviting space while waiting for the health shuttle to pick up patients from Waikato Hospital. Currently, the transit lounge is cold and uninviting.
A health specialist who is open to understanding different backgrounds would make life easier for whānau.

Whanau Voice

“Put themselves in our shoes upon the first meeting and take another perspective other than a doctor's. This will help the doctors provide better information.”
“Thames Hospital is a hidden treasure; I feel well taken care of when I visit.”

What co-governance should really look like

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 09:11:58 GMT

Former Te Whatu Ora chair Rob Campbell is a strong advocate of Mana Motuhake as the way forward. Sharing his views on co-governance and improving Māori health.

Watch Rob’s kōrero on Te Ao here

Writers retreat

Sat, 20 May 2023 08:46:47 GMT

Our Te Tara o Te Whai team have been busy preparing and then facilitating two Writer’s workshops.

Prior to these workshops, our team hosted a prep hui with key lead writers of the Locality Plan. During the workshops, groups discussed what solutions the Locality plan should focus on for each of our whānau priorities over the next three years, also identifying gaps that need to be addressed is also crucial for developing a comprehensive and effective plan.
Workshop outcomes:

Engage with key players, such as the Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation, and Ministry of Education in our Localities’ work.
Exploring solutions, based on whānau feedback.
Exploring the best framework for the Locality plan, and realising our whānau voice is challenging when confined within the framework.

Where to from here:
Our team will work on identifying the best framework for the locality plan and bring it back to the group for consultation. We will be holding more writer’s workshops soon with the aim of identifying outcomes to focus on over the next three years.

Collaboration with the Stroke Foundation whānau

Fri, 05 May 2023 08:51:35 GMT

Te Tara o Te Whai team collaborated with the Stroke Foundation to gather insights from the communities of Te Aroha, Thames, and Waihi.

Conducting blood pressure checks while engaging with community members is an effective way to reach out and gather valuable feedback. The insights gathered from these interactions will undoubtedly contribute to creating more targeted and impactful interventions that address the needs of the communities in Te Aroha, Thames, and Waihi.
Feedback:

Need for more health services delivered close to home.
The community needs to look after one another.
Having choices in what care people receive.
Wanting to be heard and respected by people within the health and wellbeing sector.
Quick access to care. People are waiting weeks to see their doctor.
Access to transport after being discharged from Waikato Hospital
Mental health support for our youth.
More options for our youth to access.
People I care about get what they need.
Encourage young people to work in healthcare. We need them.
Citizen Advice Bureau, have been providing food parcels and people are thankful for their service.
Need more counsellors, social workers and navigators in our communities.

Thank you to everyone who were willing to share their thoughts with our team and a huge thank you to Vivienne and Jess and the rest of the Stroke Foundation team for supporting Te Tara o Te Whai in gathering valuable insights.

Kaiaua Hauora Day

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 08:54:07 GMT

A successful collaboration between Wharekawa Marae, Kaiaua school and Te Whatu Ora last month (April).

Kaiaua whānau were able to connect with a range of health services on the day. Talking with whānau about the local health changes, whānau were also sharing with our team their thoughts on what changes they would like to see in their community.
Hauora feedback:

Have health services available in Kaiaua.
Weekly doctor, dentist, vision and hearing services visiting Kaiaua.
Transport options to see the doctor.
Disability services in Kaiaua.
More GP and Rongoa services.
Mental health support.
Aged support.
Immediate access to care.
Education on eating well, exercise and how to reduce stress.
Rangatahi development.
Easy access to services.
More hauora days.

Thank you to Wharekawa marae, Kaiaua school and Te Whatu Ora for putting on a fabulous day, plus a special mihi to Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki for allowing Te Tara o Te Whai to champion beside you on the day.

Rangatahi Hauora Workshop

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 21:46:16 GMT

Hosted by Ngā Wai Tāpara a Rangatahi, Te Tara o Te Whai attended the noho to capture insights from the rangatahi in attendance.

Key questions and insights gathered are listed in the table below.

Waihi Community Hui

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:24:58 GMT

Te Tara o Te Whai held a community meeting in Waihi in March to hear from the community about what changes they would like to see in their community.

The following are highlights shared by the community:

Accessibility needs for more accessibility and availability to health care services, practices in Waihi are not taking on enrolments, “my husband has to travel to Paeroa to see a GP.
Support with palliative care.
Having specialised care services delivered in our community, radiotherapy.
Only two services offer emergency services. We don’t want to travel out of our community
for care.
Remove the cost of prescriptions. We now must choose medication or kai.
We need safe spaces for our young people to access the services when they need to.
Be able to access care options virtually that don’t charge for data usage.
To have free family planning services.
Need for early access to mental health support.
Have open access to services.
Funding models create collaboration barriers
Need transparency of funding
Workforce, need for more carers to support our older people
Not enough workforce in our community
More community nurses and GPs are needed
Shortage of midwives

Iwi Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs)

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 09:21:50 GMT

Iwi Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs) are a key feature in the new health reforms, with decision-making roles at a local level, and jointly agreed on local priorities and delivery with Te Whatu Ora.

The Board is legislatively recognised to ensure Māori governance in the determination of health priorities for iwi and Māori across localities.
The changes arising from the health reforms establish a localities approach that ensures health services are organised in a way that makes sense to the geographic communities they serve.
Under the locality governance - led by IMPBs and community leaders - localities work with communities and local primary care, community providers, local social care services and local government to improve service delivery and Māori health and wellbeing outcomes.A key focus for Te Aka Whai Ora will be working with IMPBs to ensure services are being designed to meet the local context in each locality and to recognise the unique mana whenua aspirations in each rohe (region)

IMPBs will voice the aspirations and priorities of Māori communities, agree on locality plans and influence regionally through their relationship with Te Aka Whai Ora.

For more information, visit:

Iwi Partnership Boards

Pai Ora - Iwi Partnership Boards Order 2022

Paeroa Community Health Forum

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 20:00:59 GMT

Te Tara o te Whai localities team, along with Te Whatu Ora – Community Engagement team, facilitated a public engagement with the community of Paeroa.

The purpose of the community health forum was to share the intentions of the current health reforms and the locality planning process, as well as to gain insights on what whānau would like to see change in their community. Around 20 participants were in attendance.

This is a summary of key insights that were gathered from the event:

Better support for healthcare services:

Long-term conditions are not being properly addressed at GP services.
Our older people are struggling.
There is a need for more support to reduce the price of food and personal hygiene products.
People don’t want to travel to Waikato Hospital for a five minute appointment.
Demand for more residential beds.
Health needs to be part of the civil defence response.
Services need to work better together, not in isolation.
Respite care is needed; we have no relief.
We have a chronic housing shortage.
People are being discharged in the early hours of the morning from the ED with no way of getting home.
Hauraki Council needs to help more.
People are choosing not to go to the hospital because they won't have a way home.
Having to wait five weeks for a GP appointment.

Community Transport Hui

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 21:08:15 GMT

Nine community transport providers were in attendance to discuss current issues regarding health and well-being in the community and the safety of our roads.

It was noted that there is a need for a reliable and centralised point of information hub. There is also a desire to see services offered closer to other towns, perhaps mobile clinics and outer hospitals with expanded services.

While discussing their views on health and well-being in the locality and what services they would like to

see improved or made available, attendees identified a few gaps in the current system, including:

There is concern over the continuity of health transport funding from the DHB and whether the dispersal formula is transparent and fair.
Wanting strong communication between health agencies & transport providers (one issue is appointment scheduling; this could be much more successful with strong communication).
Community’s accessibility to services/affordability: providing a mobile service.
IT solutions and online are problematic for many patients, increasing pressure on the volunteers that help them navigate them.
Recommend looking at more ways to provide "Zoom" or digital assistance for people who do not have technological skills, services, or signal.
Needing funding for the rides that don’t fit in Te Whata Ora criteria and having to rely on alternative funding, e.g. lack of transportation options for people without community services cards.
Urgent need for a New Zealand Transport Agency update, e.g. flat fee or actual travel.
Succession of volunteers and the longevity of community transport groups.

The attendees identified several opportunities for collaboration and partnerships to improve health and well-being services in the community. There was also the concept of digital reliance and what that means for ageing and deprived members of the community who need to access services and avoid isolation.

Kahu Taurima Consultation Wānanga Coromandel

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 02:54:37 GMT

Te Tara o Te Whai supported the Kahu Taurima team in hosting their second consultation wānanga.

Held at the Coromandel Rugby Club, the consultation wānanga aimed to identify gaps within the Taurima Te Pā Harakeke timeline. This enabled us to gain insight into the needs and aspirations of whānau, which support the projected outcomes of the Taurima Te Pā Harakeke journey.

Paeroa Hauora Day

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:48:21 GMT

An opportunity for whānau to connect with community service providers and deliver their feedback on how services could be better improved for the benefit of the community.

The following are insights gained through kōrero with whānau on the day that pertain to what health means to them and how health services could better serve their whānau.

Hauraki Locality Partnership Wānanga at Manaia

chalachase@gmail.com (Chala Chase) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:38:08 GMT

Hauraki Locality Partnership Wānanga at Manaia

Te Tara o Te Whai, with the support of Hauraki PHO, Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki and the haukāinga of Manaia Marae, hosted an initial public engagement hui on the 15th of September 2022 to help share the background and intention of the current health reforms and the Locality Planning Process.

Over 100 attendees were present at the hui including, local whānau, kuia and kaumātua, health, social services, youth organisations, Government and community representatives to:

Understand what the reforms process is and what the background/impetuous of the locality planning process in relation to the Pae Ora Act;
To hear about the background of the Wai 2575 Health Services and Outcomes Kaupapa Inquiry from Lady Tureiti-Moxon; and
To explore and inquire what the future of health might look like for the communities of Hauraki, what are some key priorities to consider and how attendees might help to gather whānau voices who must be at the centre of this work.

How the day unfolded

The facilitators of the day were Kaye-Maree and Mita Dunn of Making Everything Achievable Limited, supported by the League of Live Illustrators who helped to guide and build on the theme of the conversations held on the day.

The kōrero opened with a short backgrounder on the meaning behind Te Tara o Te Whai (Whai is described as a stingray and the Tara is the barb). The Whai is known to the hapū communities across the Hauraki as a Kaitiaki – guardian, which also has a sting if it is under threat or at risk. This helped build the metaphor of the group of Kaitiaki charged with the responsibility of overseeing the development of our regional locality plan and will also proactively challenge issues or barriers when they arise.

Setting the Foundations

Lady Tureiti Moxon shared a presentation on the Wai 2575 claim that provided an excellent foundation for the challenges Iwi Māori have presented to the Crown, including funding and workforce equity and the ability to determine solutions and outcomes that best suit the communities they serve.

Charlaine Chee and Hinewai Pomare shared a more detailed background of the Localities process, including the design of the localities engagement, how it will roll out and how important this process is for every single person in the region.

The final part of the day invited participants to share their solutions, ideas and aspirations around the key themes and present their reflections.

Conversations explored:

Haukāinga – Whānau Voice
Health Determinants
Systemic Change
Pūtea
Data
Rongoā Māori
Maternal Health and Data

All participants were asked what they might need help with and what they might be willing to share to help guide the next phase of work over the months ahead in hosting community hui, pulling together the regional locality plan and exploring what a healthy future could look like for all 50,000 plus residents who live within the Hauraki boundaries.

(Insert event photos and illustrations from this page)

So, what's next? - It's cool to kōrero!

Now the heavy lifting begins, where information packs will be made available on this site and also out to any interested community members to help gather whānau voices and perspectives on what they believe are the key health priorities for the region. We are inviting Iwi, hapū, marae, local and central government, community groups, organisations, youth groups, and businesses to help us push this kōrero hauora across our region and into the hands, hearts and minds of as many people as possible.

Sign up for our email list or e-newsletter so you can stay updated on what we are doing and how we hope to work in partnership with you to make this work.

Subscribe now

Colville Community Forum

chalachase@gmail.com (Chala Chase) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:38:08 GMT

The Te Tara o te Whai team have had a busy few weeks exploring avenues of gathering whānau voice, creating promotional material and road trips around Pare Hauraki.

On the 30th of November, our team met with both Colville and Whitianga communities.

With the support of the Colville Project, our community forum was held at the Colville Hall, and over 30 attendees were present. Through whakawhanaungatanga, every participant could share their insights on what matters most to them with the team. Some of the themes that came through from the community were more access to health services closer to home, investing in our own people to help grow the workforce and better access to funding.

Our team appreciated hearing the successes of the well-connected community, including support received from Colville health services, the Colville project and St Johns.

Whitianga Community Forum

chalachase@gmail.com (Chala Chase) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:38:08 GMT

Around 15 attendees were present at the Whitianga community forum held at the Whitianga town hall. The community shared with the team their insights on what matters most to them. Some of the themes that came through were needing more workforce across the entire health sector, including more Kaiawhina, more career days to promote health at Kura and more affordable, accessible health services and prevention services.

Thank you to both communities for sharing your insights with the Te Tara o te Whai team, we look forward to revisiting in the new year.

Thames Coromandel District Council Presentation

Thu, 20 Apr 2000 08:35:56 GMT

Te Tara o Te Whai Lead, Taima Campbell presented at the Landscaping our Community Network Workshop attended by Mayor Len Salt, Councillors of Thames Coromandel district and Community organisations. The purpose of this workshop was to help Council understand the landscape of regional economic and social agencies and organisations in the region, to deepen relationships and understand how Council can have a greater impact on the communities they serve.

te-tara-o-te-whai

Community Voice Ignites Free Denture Initiative in Hauraki

MEDIA RELEASE

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Community Voice Ignites Free Denture Initiative in Hauraki

Te Tara o Te Whai Partners with Dental Planet to Successfully Launch New Innovative Oral Health Initiative in Hauraki

MEDIA RELEASE

Te Tara o Te Whai Partners with Dental Planet to Successfully Launch New Innovative Oral Health Initiative in Hauraki.

Careers Roadshow 2024

Te Tara o Te Whai recently attended the 2024 Careers Roadshow during its final leg in Thames.

Niho Ora ki Hauraki Thames Launch

As the first round of Niho Ora ki Hauraki concludes in Thames, we are excited to acknowledge its success.

Niho Ora ki Hauraki Overview

In collaboration with Te Whatu Ora, Dental Planet, and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), we are happy to announce our free mobile dental initiative, Niho Ora ki Hauraki!

Kahu Taurima Consultation Wānanga Thames

Facilitated by Khadine Topia, our Kahu Taurima team hosted their first consultation wānanga.

Ngātea Community Wānanga

The Ngātea community were able to share their whakaaro about how health services could be improved.

Te Huarahi Hui

A collaboration between the New Zealand Police, Ngatī Maru Rūnanga and the Ministry of Social Development.

Hauraki Cultural Festival 2023

Hosted by Hikutaia Marae, Te Tara o Te Whai attended the 50th annual Hauraki Cultural Festival in Te Aroha.

Waihī Community Wānanga

Te Tara o Te Whai hosted their first community wānanga in Waihī on October 28th.

Kuia/Kaumātua Event

Facilitated by Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, Te Tara o Te Whai team was invited to attend a Kuia/Kaumātua rōpu hui this September.

Paeroa Hauora Day 2023

Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki hosted an amazing ‘Whānau Day Out’.

HPV Whānau Day Out

In celebration of the new HPV primary screening rollout, Pito Hauora hosted an event including free screening services, kai, coffee, and facepainting for tamariki.

Zero Data

For some New Zealanders, the cost of mobile data can be a barrier to accessing essential health and wellbeing information and digital health services. Those who cannot access information and services often have the highest needs.

Understanding our community, what our whānau have told us

Te Tara O Te Whai has gathered community insights from a Health Forum in Te Aroha, QR survey and one-on-one with individuals.

Better Futures Hauraki

Hauraki District Council hosted Better Futures Hauraki, a forum focused on community wellbeing.

Cyclone Gabrielle Welfare Support Grant - extended to 31 August 2023

On behalf of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

Te Puna Hauora Matua o Hauraki Board Meeting

Te Puna Hauora Matua o Hauraki Board Meeting

Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall visits

Te Aroha Community Health Forum

Te Whatu Ora's Community Engagement team assisted in facilitating the community engagement hui in Te Aroha.

What co-governance should really look like

Former Te Whatu Ora chair Rob Campbell is a strong advocate of Mana Motuhake as the way forward. Sharing his views on co-governance and improving Māori health.

Writers retreat

Our Te Tara o Te Whai team have been busy preparing and then facilitating two Writer’s workshops.

Collaboration with the Stroke Foundation whānau

Te Tara o Te Whai team collaborated with the Stroke Foundation to gather insights from the communities of Te Aroha, Thames, and Waihi.

Kaiaua Hauora Day

A successful collaboration between Wharekawa Marae, Kaiaua school and Te Whatu Ora last month (April).

Rangatahi Hauora Workshop

Hosted by Ngā Wai Tāpara a Rangatahi, Te Tara o Te Whai attended the noho to capture insights from the rangatahi in attendance.

Waihi Community Hui

Iwi Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs)

Iwi Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs) are a key feature in the new health reforms, with decision-making roles at a local level, and jointly agreed on local priorities and delivery with Te Whatu Ora.

Paeroa Community Health Forum

Te Tara o te Whai localities team, along with Te Whatu Ora – Community Engagement team, facilitated a public engagement with the community of Paeroa.

Community Transport Hui

Kahu Taurima Consultation Wānanga Coromandel

Te Tara o Te Whai supported the Kahu Taurima team in hosting their second consultation wānanga.

Paeroa Hauora Day

An opportunity for whānau to connect with community service providers and deliver their feedback on how services could be better improved for the benefit of the community.

Hauraki Locality Partnership Wānanga at Manaia

Colville Community Forum

Whitianga Community Forum

Thames Coromandel District Council Presentation