Pae Ora in action – Matiu Island trip contributing to the inclusion and protection of Mātauranga Māori
Healthy Families Hutt Valley has an explicit focus on improving equity and health and wellbeing outcomes for Māori. We work with Māori leaders and communities across Te Awa Kairangi and tautoko existing and evolving kaupapa by bringing our resource, connections and skills to create meaningful impact.
Earlier this month, some of our kaimahi attended a wānanga to discuss Pae Ora –Healthy Futures. There were deep discussions around how we can ensure everyone has access to wellbeing support that’s suited to their needs and kōrero around the priorities, opportunities and challenges around achieving pae ora, healthy futures for Māori.
Eddie Edmonds, Healthy Families Hutt Valley Manager says Ngā wānanga o Pae Ora was a great space to korero with some of the most brilliant minds in the hauora industry.
“In my experience, no other government agency is engaging like that and it was awesome to wānanga with other passionate Māori in the health sector. We took away lots of learnings, there was lots of kōrero that aligned with our direction as HFHV and how we contribute to the vision and Māori strategy. It's a good reminder that we have come a long way and need to continue the awesome momentum”.
We have had a large focus on building the internal capability of the Healthy Families Hutt Valley kaimahi by developing our understanding of Māori culture and values. This deepened understanding allows for a true, whanaungatanga-based relationship to foster between the Healthy Families Hutt Valley kaimahi and our hapori Māori.
The Healthy Families Hutt Valley team recently connected with mana whenua and walked through the history and many stories associated with Matiu Island surrounded by concepts such as kaitiakitanga, rangatiratanga, and manaakitanga.
“My favourite part of the day was to wānanga all kaupapa, from whakapapa, to how we address inequities, to how we tautoko each other in our relevant mahi” says Eddie.
It’s great seeing iwi, hapū, whānau and Māori communities exercising their authority to improve their health and wellbeing.
Watch the video highlights from the trip: