Our Philosophy

The Story of Tuwharetoa Health

Tuwharetoa Health was born out of the needs of our community. In the mid-nineties, the health status of our whanau was in serious decline. In an effort to find a solution, a hui was called to discuss what could be done. As a result, the call was put forward to set up a local Maori health provider that could cater to the needs of whanau, and work in a kaupapa Maori way. Te Ariki Ta Hepi te Heuheu, convenor of the hui, was supportive of the call but when asked if the provider would only provide services to Maori, he responded that the provider should work to “improve the health of all who reside in the rohe of Ngati Tuwharetoa” and deliver services to the whole community. When Tuwharetoa Health was finally set up, this statement from Ta Hepi was adopted as our guiding vision.

Initially, Tuwharetoa Health was set up as a limited liability company (Tuwharetoa Health Services Limited – THSL) and was able to secure funding to begin delivering services in the central north island. Over the years, THSL was able to extend their suite of services to include Tamariki Ora, Kaumatua Programmes, Health Promotions, Long Term Conditions Nursing, Maori Disability Support and Mental Health activities programmes. Working closely with regional funders, local providers and our whanau, Hapu and Iwi, THSL was able to establish strong relationships and connections.

In 2009, an internally commissioned review recommended that THSL should look to change to a Charitable Trust structure, to be able to capitalise on more opportunities for funding and support. This change was implemented late in 2009 and THSL became Tuwharetoa Health Charitable Trust (THCT). Since 2009, THCT has continued to work to realise the vision that we still hold – To improve the health of all who reside in the rohe of Ngati Tuwharetoa.

Kaupapa

Health is a “Taonga“

Health is embodied in the model of empowerment
It is a right
It is embodied in the past
The culture and the traditions

It embraces the four dimensions of:
Te Wairua
Te Hinengaro
Te Tinana
Me te whanaungatanga

Resource

The visionary statement indicates the right of the people of Ngati Tuwharetoa and all people living in the area to seek and live their lives in a way that maintains their integrity, well-being and health.

Tuwharetoa Health Charitable Trust Strategic Plan
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He Korowai Oranga: Maori Health Strategy
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Whakatataka Tuarua: Maori Health Action Plan 2006 – 2011
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Primary Health Care Strategy
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New Zealand Health Strategy 2016: Future Directions
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Treaty of Waitangi

The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion

Tuwharetoa Health Child Protection Policy
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