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.

Our Vision

To improve the health of all who reside in the rohe of Ngati Tuwharetoa

Tuwharetoa Health Charitable Trust is the largest Kaupapa Maori Health provider in the central North Island. Since 1995 Tuwharetoa Health has been providing health and social services in Taupo, Turangi, Mangakino and the surrounding area. From our offices in Turangi and Taupo, we provide support for whanau across the age range.

Tuwharetoa Health has a strong connection to the community, whanau, Hapu and Iwi of Ngati Tuwharetoa, that gives us a strong vested interest in helping and supporting whanau to lead healthier and more independent lifestyles. Our service delivery kaimahi work in three teams, the Whanau Pepi and Tamariki team, the Whanau Engagement team, and the Whanau Care and Independence team, with the support of our operations team.

Our services are available Monday – Friday (8am-5pm), if you would like more information call us on (07) 384 2882 (option 2) or come in to see us at our Turangi or Taupo offices.

Useful Links:
Pihanga Health
Lakes DHB
Find Your Midwife

Kaupapa

Health is “Toanga“

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

Principles

Honour the tradition of our forebears – Tupuna

Support the Treaty of Waitangi
Enhance the quality of life
Harmonise our strategies
Strive for continuous innovation and improvement
Operate according to our values
Provide sustainable economic, social, cultural benefits for Iwi/Hapu
Create a positive environment that provides opportunities for the whanau (family)

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.

He Korowai Oranga: Maori Health Strategy
-Download PDF Version Here

Whakatataka Tuarua: Maori Health Action Plan 2006 – 2011
-Download PDF Version Here

Primary Health Care Strategy
-Download PDF Version Here

New Zealand Health Strategy 2016: Future Directions
-Download PDF Version Here

Treaty of Waitangi

The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion