Te Taumata Hauora o Te Kahu o Taonui Moves from Planning to Action

1 ĀPERIRA 2025

This morning, as the sun rose over Te Tai Tokerau, we gathered to mark a significant milestone in the journey of Te Taumata Hauora o Te Kahu o Taonui. This moment is not just a celebration of what has been achieved so far, but a declaration of what comes next. 

Over the past year, Te Taumata Hauora has worked to establish a strong foundation, bringing together the right people and ensuring the organisation is positioned to make a real impact. With the legal status now in place, the focus shifts to action. 

Tumu Whakarae, Boyd Broughton reflects on this transition, emphasising the importance of moving beyond planning to tangible change. 

"We have spent the past year laying the groundwork, ensuring that Te Taumata Hauora is positioned not just as a voice in the system, but as a force for change. Now, we step forward into action." 

The vision for this work is clear. For too long, the health system has failed to meet the needs of Māori in Te Tai Tokerau. The statistics tell a familiar story, but behind every number is a whānau struggling to access care, a māmā navigating an overwhelmed maternity system, a kaumātua dealing with preventable health issues. Te Taumata Hauora stands to change that. 

Chair Tereki Stewart reinforces the importance of staying committed to this kaupapa. 

"Let us not forget the wise words of Tā Hemi Henare - Kua tawhiti kē tō haerenga mai, kia kore e haere tonu. He nui rawa ō mahi, kia kore e mahi tonu. We’ve come too far not to go further. We’ve done too much not to do more." 

This commitment is centered around four key priorities that whānau have identified as critical to their wellbeing: 

• Ensuring Māori can access the health services they need, when and where they need them. 

• Recognising that housing is health, and advocating for warm, dry, secure, and affordable homes for whānau. 

• Supporting māmā and pēpi to thrive, so every pēpi gets the best start in life. 

• Strengthening mental wellbeing, ensuring whānau have the support they need to live well and free from addiction. 

  
  

The journey ahead will require continued advocacy, strong partnerships, and a firm stance on the changes that need to happen. Te Taumata Hauora o Te Kahu o Taonui is ready to take that next step, ensuring that Māori health is not just an agenda item, but a priority that is backed by action. 

This is the beginning of a new chapter for Māori health in Te Tai Tokerau mai i Tāmaki ki Te Rerenga Wairua. 

The vision is bold, the commitment is unwavering, and the time for action is now. 

Mauri ora.