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.