Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency has kick-started a series of regional hui across Te Ika-a-Maui starting in Papaioea.

“E tipu, E rea - Looking to the future,” was the theme to set the tone for a day of inspiring kōrero with our Te Tai Hauāuru and Te Tai Tonga Whānau Ora collectives.

Guest speakers included our Pou, Emeritus Professor Sir Mason Durie, who spoke on the foundations of Whānau Ora over the last 60 years.

"The foundations of the last 60 years have led us to where we are today. Foundation one and the overall aim has been consistent, and that is the health and wellbeing for our people. Foundation two is to have our own systems of knowledge and understanding. The third foundation is that we always place our whānau at the centre. Our fourth foundation is to have our skilled whanau-centred teams and how they can champion a cause and care for whānau. And foundation five is linking up our leadership."

MP for Te Tai Hauāuru, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Tākuta Ferris MP for Te Tai Tonga also shared on the importance of being unapologetic with the work that we do.

The day featured a marketplace that included businesses who have gone through our Whānau Ora Whiria Ngā Hua programme. Highlights also focused on kōrero from our collectives the work they are doing with whānau.

One of the special moments of the day was hearing from rangatahi from Hato Paora who shared about their experience with Whānau Ora and the positive influence their relationship with partner, He Puna Hauora, has had on them.

"Whānau Ora has offered me programmes to help with goal settings and communication. Setting me up for success in the future."

The collective wisdom shared from rangatahi, kaiārahi and our leaders continues to shape and guide the work being done within our communities as we step forward into the future.