Subject to the successful negotiation of contract details with Te Puni Kōkiri, Te Tauraki, a subsidiary of Ngāi Tahu, is set to become the next Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency for Te Waipounamu from 1 July 2025.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa has expressed gratitude for the work undertaken by outgoing Commissioning Agency, Te Pūtahitanga.
“We acknowledge the mahi of Te Pūtahitanga over the last 10 years, and their commitment to the kaupapa, values and aspirations of Whānau Ora.
“Te Tauraki will continue this legacy. There has been a long association between Ngāi Tahu and Te Pūtahitanga, and we look forward to working with them again over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.”
Te Tauraki Board Chair Rakihia Tau says the relentless pursuit of better outcomes for whānau Māori is the priority.
“Even though there is a change of commissioning agency, the intent of Whānau Ora will remain the same under Te Tauraki – whānau first and whānau centred.
“Our work will focus on how we best support whānau to thrive and lead their own journeys towards wellbeing across Te Tau Ihu, the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā, and Wharekauri/Rēkohu.”
He says Te Tauraki, through its function as an Iwi-Māori Partnership Board, currently monitors health inequities for whānau Māori, enabling valuable data, insights, and an understanding of whānau aspirations.
“We take on this important responsibility with both humility and confidence,” says Rakihia Tau.
Te Tauraki will keep whānau and stakeholders updated on progress and send out further information at the conclusion of contract negotiations.