Te Tauraki is poised to transform whānau wellbeing across Te Waipounamu as we prepare to launch as one of four new Whānau Ora commissioning agencies on July 1, following extensive preparation and a successful hui with Whānau Ora Minister Tama Potaka.
Te Tauraki Chair Rakihia Tau hosted the minister in Christchurch on Thursday 12 June.
The hui was arranged at the minister’s request to hear how Te Tauraki is progressing with commissioning Whānau Ora service providers in the newly established model, described by Potaka as “Whanau Ora 2.0”.
Potaka says the new model brings the opportunity to deliver targeted support for those in need.
“We’ve got to keep working smarter, making greater use of data and other information to ensure the best possible support for the unique needs of whānau. It’s been great to hear more about how Te Tauraki adopts this directed approach to Whānau Ora services and will then show measurable outcomes for their success.”
Te Tauraki Chair Rakihia Tau provided Minister Potaka with clear assurances that the transition is progressing smoothly. By July 1, Te Tauraki will have 97 Whānau Ora Navigators strategically positioned across Te Waipounamu.
Data-driven excellence
Te Tauraki prioritises data-driven decision-making to inform both commissioning decisions and broader health system analysis.
“Our strategic data capabilities and platforms will inform not only our commissioning decisions but provide crucial insights for broader health system analysis. We’re building on capabilities proven through our existing Iwi Māori Partnership Board function.”
Vision for the future
The conversation between Tau and Potaka extended beyond immediate transition logistics to explore the potential of Whānau Ora within the broader social investment framework.
“If we can demonstrate over the next year or two that we’re producing superior outcomes compared to traditional government service delivery, then it becomes a contest of ideas,” Tau says.
“High-performing providers consistently deliver better outcomes per dollar than hospital systems.”
The minister expressed strong confidence in the approach of Te Tauraki, particularly its commitment to execution over ceremony. Rather than hosting an opening event on July 1, Te Tauraki will focus entirely on whānau outcomes from day one.
Ready for launch
Te Tauraki was the first of the four new commissioning agencies to meet face-to-face with Minister Potaka, demonstrating our readiness and commitment to the transformative potential of Whānau Ora 2.0.
As July 1 approaches, Te Tauraki stands ready to prove that with the right approach, data-driven insights, and commitment to whānau outcomes, Whānau Ora can deliver transformational change for Māori communities across Te Waipounamu.
The focus now shifts from preparation to performance – exactly where Te Tauraki wants to be.