As we approach July 1 – a significant milestone in our organisation’s journey – I want to share with you the progress Te Tauraki has made in establishing our commissioning function and our vision for the future of Whānau Ora across Te Waipounamu.
Our foundation: A data-driven, strategic approach
Te Tauraki has taken a systematic, evidence-based approach. We have built upon our existing relationships across Te Waipounamu and our strategic data capabilities developed through our Iwi Māori Partnership Board function, with strong backing from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.
Our establishment has focused on three critical areas: building commissioning capability, establishing the service provider network, and ensuring day-one readiness. We are starting fresh with a bold vision of what Whānau Ora can achieve for our communities.
Building the service provider network
Through an extensive tender process, we’ve selected providers for 97 Whānau Ora Navigator roles strategically positioned across Te Waipounamu. All existing providers were invited to submit proposals, with high-quality submissions making selection decisions difficult. We focused on delivering measurable outcomes while working collaboratively with providers to leverage existing community knowledge and capabilities.
Preparing for success
Our preparation has been extensive and methodical. Demonstrating our commitment to kanohi ki te kanohi engagement, we’ve travelled extensively to meet preferred providers and build fundamental relationships.
We are engaging with key stakeholders, including Whānau Ora Minister Tama Potaka and Te Puni Kōkiri. In mid-June, Minister Potaka requested a progress hui where I provided clear assurances that our transition is progressing smoothly.
Navigating challenges, creating opportunities
Our biggest challenge has been making decisions about providers while working within reduced funding parameters. The sector is experiencing significant change with funding reductions and policy shifts, requiring highly strategic resource deployment.
However, this does create opportunity. The new model allows for reduced Navigator caseloads, enabling more intensive, specialised whānau support. Rather than spreading resources thin, we can focus on delivering better outcomes relative to investment.
Exercising rangatiratanga
While Te Tauraki is a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, our obligations extend to all 134,000 Māori in Te Waipounamu, of which 47,000 identify as having whakapapa to Ngāi Tahu.
This reflects Ngāi Tahu exercising rangatiratanga in service of the broader Māori community, guided by manaakitanga and whanaungatanga.
Collaboration and integration
We’re committed to collaboration while maintaining our Te Waipounamu focus. Our data-driven capabilities enable sharing insights that benefit the broader Whānau Ora system and create natural collaboration opportunities across all four commissioning agencies.
Our engagement with primary care is fundamental to achieving targeted health outcomes. Our data capabilities help identify gaps in primary care access for whānau Māori, enabling us to commission complementary rather than duplicative services.
Looking forward
Our intent remains unwavering: To demonstrate that with the right approach, data-driven insights, and commitment to whānau outcomes, we can deliver transformational change for Māori communities across Te Waipounamu.
We are ready, committed, and excited about the positive impact we will create together for whānau Māori.
Ngā mihi nui
Rakihia Tau, Chair, Te Tauraki
