2024 - A Year of Connection and Impact
As we start to wrap up 2024, we reflect on the moments, milestones and mahi that have shaped this year. From championing cultural identity to driving systemic change, Healthy Families Hutt Valley has worked alongside communities to reimagine health and wellbeing in Te Awa Kairangi.
This review highlights the stories that define our collective impact. Across kai, physical activity, mental wellbeing and Māori and Pasifika leadership, we’ve witnessed the strength of whanaungatanga and the power of collaboration.
Let’s take a look back at the achievements and partnerships that have made 2024 a year to remember and a foundation for even greater possibilities ahead.
Sharing our stories at Walter Nash Park
We unveiled new storyboards at Walter Nash Park, co-designed with local whānau and tamariki, to reflect the rich history and cultural narratives of the Hutt Valley. This collaborative project builds a sense of belonging and inspires active, connected communities.
Read the full story
10 Years of Impact
Reflecting on a decade of mahi, we collaborated with national and local partners to publish the Healthy Families NZ 10-Year Impact Report. This milestone celebrates the stories of systems change across the motu, while setting a vision for the years ahead.
Read the Healthy Families NZ 10-Year Impact Report
Championing Leadership Diversity
We achieved a milestone by including Mana Whenua in our Strategic Leadership Group. Their guidance shaped initiatives like the Regional Food Systems Strategy which looks at kai security and sustainable food systems, aligning our mahi with cultural values.
Tik Tok Takeover
We embraced the power of digital storytelling through a month-long takeover of the Healthy Families NZ TikTok account. Sharing nine engaging videos, we highlighted Māori and Pacific systems, collaboration with partners and creative ways to connect with our community. This effort not only grew our audience but also brought important health messages to a younger, more diverse group. Our TikTok campaign gained 210 new followers and strengthened our online engagement, highlighting the impact of digital innovation in community health.
Collaborating across Healthy Families NZ Communities of Practice (CoP)
We strengthened connections through active participation in the Healthy Families NZ Communities of Practice. This included Te Kāhui Māori, embedding tikanga and mātauranga Māori into national strategies, while sharing local insights with the Strategic Communications CoP to amplify the reach of community-focused initiatives. We also engaged with the Pacific CoP, ensuring Pacific-led approaches were integrated into systems-change efforts. These collaborations have enhanced our mahi and aligned our work with the collective goals of Healthy Families NZ, driving positive outcomes both locally and nationally.
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Supporting Local Pacific Organisations
We hosted governance workshops with ACE Aotearoa, guiding Pacific organisations in strategy planning, finance management and securing funding. This mahi reached over 3,000 people across cultural, sports and youth groups.
Cull to Plate on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Cull to Plate is an exciting initiative that will connect kai security with environmental stewardship. Designed to bring communities together, this project aims to address kai insecurity while encouraging sustainable practices. Our Systems Innovator, Charlie presented insights to the SLG and as we continue planning, we look forward to sharing more about this initiative and its potential to strengthen connections between whānau and the whenua.
Indigenous Health Strategies
At the Hāpai te Hauora Indigenous Health Symposium, we connected with Māori health leaders to learn from frameworks like Atua Matua, applying these insights to our indigenous health strategies.
Empowering Māori leadership
Our kaupapa Māori framework, Te Whakaruruhau, was weaved into Hutt City Council’s Māori Strategy, ensuring culturally grounded practices and policies deliver better health outcomes for Māori.
Read Te Herenga Kairangi - Hutt City Council’s Māori Strategy
Smokefree environments on the radar
At the SuperLocal Conference, Healthy Families Hutt Valley shone a spotlight on smokefree and vapefree environments. Collaborating with Takiri Mai Te Ata and other partners, we shared insights on creating healthier spaces for whānau by reducing exposure to smoking and vaping. This kaupapa aligns with our vision of building supportive environments where tamariki and communities can thrive. The event sparked meaningful discussions and strengthened our collective drive toward a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025.
While these highlights highlight the depth of our mahi, they are only a glimpse into the collective effort that drives Healthy Families Hutt Valley forward. As we step into 2025, we remain committed to building healthier, more equitable communities in Te Awa Kairangi.
Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday season – we look forward to seeing you in the new year!