You may have noticed Te Tauraki using the term Kaitūwhana rather than Navigator when referring to Whānau Ora service provision. This change reflects our commissioning approach, Whiria te Tuamaka, which connects us to the wisdom of our tīpuna.
When our Ngāi Tahu tīpuna faced rivers in flood across Te Waipounamu, they created tūwhana – poles crafted to enable safe crossings. Kaitūwhana were those who crafted, positioned, and used these essential tools, working collectively to ensure everyone reached safe ground.
This captures the role we envision for this specific Whānau Ora role. Kaitūwhana act as connectors and advocates for whānau, helping them navigate pathways in health, housing, education, employment, and wellbeing. They reinforce links to hapū and whenua.
The role is pivotal in connecting whānau with their communities, and to awhi and tautoko them to improve their overall circumstances.
Kaitūwhana work alongside whānau, helping them navigate the flood conditions of contemporary challenges – economic pressures, system failures, and societal obstacles. They don’t carry whānau across; they provide the tools, support, and collective strength that enable whānau to navigate their own crossing.
Just as the original kaitūwhana understood that mahi kātahi (collective action) made the crossing possible, today’s Kaitūwhana recognise that whānau have their own skills and strengths. With the right support and tools, whānau can navigate external challenges successfully.