Māori health champion takes on regional role
Te Tauraki is delighted to welcome Dr Pete Watson to his new role as Executive Regional Director for Te Waipounamu at Te Whatu Ora.
Dr Watson was formally welcomed with a mihi whakatau on August 4 at the Manawa Campus in Christchurch. Te Whatu Ora, iwi, hauora partners, and Iwi Māori Partnership were in attendance.
Te Tauraki board director Suzanne Pitama expressed her enthusiasm about Dr Watson's appointment.
"Te Tauraki was honoured to attend the mihi whakatau and hear Peter’s inspiring vision. His commitment to valuing mana whenua and the respect he holds among Māori colleagues from Counties Manukau set a strong foundation for the journey ahead."
Dr Watson brings more than 25 years of experience as a health leader and specialist medical practitioner to the role. As a Paediatrician and Youth Health Specialist, he holds Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators (FRACMA) and has demonstrated his commitment to working in partnership with iwi, hapū and whānau to improve health outcomes for all.
His career highlights include serving as the inaugural National Clinical Lead (Medical) for Te Whatu Ora from June 2022 to June 2023 and previously holding positions as acting CEO and Chief Medical Officer at Counties Manukau Health.
As Executive Regional Director, Dr Watson will focus on developing effective clinical partnerships, delivering against national health targets including the Electives Boost, implementing improved access to primary care, and ensuring health services are high-quality, safe and sustainable.
His track record demonstrates his ability to tackle complex health sector challenges. He was instrumental in the national response to the Whakaari White Island disaster and played a key clinical leadership role in New Zealand's Covid-19 pandemic response, including the establishment of managed isolation and quarantine facilities.
Earlier in his career, Dr Watson made significant contributions to youth health as the initial Principal Investigator for Youth2000, the first national school survey of 10,000 students in 2001. He developed specialist expertise in Adolescent Medicine and Youth Health, holding academic, clinical and leadership roles at the University of Auckland School of Medicine and Middlemore Hospital
Te Tauraki recognises Dr Watson as an authentic, transparent leader who honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi. His extensive experience working in partnership with Māori communities and his proven advocacy for Māori health outcomes align closely with the vision and mission of Te Tauraki.
Te Tauraki looks forward to working alongside Dr Watson in his new role to advance health equity and improve outcomes for all communities across Te Waipounamu.
Join Te Tauraki: Shape the future of hauora
Three exceptional leadership opportunities.
Kia hiwa rā!
Te Tauraki is seeking exceptional leaders to join our expanding team. We operate as both an Iwi-Māori Partnership Board and a commissioning agency for Whānau Ora services within Te Waipounamu, focusing on achieving better hauora (health) and oranga (wellbeing) outcomes for whānau Māori.
All three positions are fulltime and based in Ōtautahi/Christchurch.
Kaihautū Tuarua – Click here to view the job advertisement
Lead meaningful change as second-in-charge, providing strategic and operational leadership across Te Tauraki mahi. This pivotal position offers the opportunity to monitor performance, mitigate risks, and strengthen our impact for whānau Māori across Te Waipounamu.
Head of Funding, Monitoring, and Performance – Click here for job ad
Drive equity through evidence-informed funding decisions. Lead commissioning strategy, build high-trust relationships with Crown agencies, and ensure whānau voice shapes every investment decision across Te Waipounamu.
Head of Data, Insights and Impact – Click here for job ad
Turn data into transformation. Lead evaluation frameworks and analytics that empower commissioning decisions and create better outcomes for whānau Māori. At Te Tauraki, data is more than numbers; it’s a pathway to transformation.
What we provide
- Flexible working arrangements
- Comprehensive range of employment benefits
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Meaningful work that creates genuine community impact
- Supportive environment for success and innovation
Application Deadline: 20 August
Confidential enquiries: becs.brocherie@tetauraki.co.nz
‘Whānau, not fanfare’ – Te Tauraki foregoes launch event
Te Tauraki has begun operations with a clear statement of intent – redirecting its launch event budget to directly support the kaimahi who serve whānau every day.
The organisation today commences its role as one of four newly established Whānau Ora commissioning agencies, selected by Te Puni Kōkiri.
Te Tauraki is responsible for contracting and strengthening services that lift hauora and wellbeing outcomes for whānau Māori across Te Waipounamu. The agency will work with service providers to support 97 Whānau Ora Navigators.
Map: Whānau Ora Navigator Providers
In a deliberate show of manaakitanga, the agency will forego a formal launch event and instead redirect every dollar of that budget into support for service providers and their Navigators, who work alongside whānau every day.
“As an iwi-led organisation, our priority is simple: whānau first, always,” says Te Tauraki Chair Rakihia Tau.
“We believe real manaakitanga is putting resources into the hands of whānau and those who provide services for whānau. This decision honours the kaupapa of Whānau Ora by investing directly in the workforce and initiatives that enable whānau to make tangible, positive differences in their lives.”
As well as reallocating funds that would have been spent on a launch function, Te Tauraki has plans for targeted professional development, tikanga-based peer-networking opportunities, and additional tools and resources to support service providers and their Whānau Ora Navigation teams.
This practical approach comes during a period of significant sector change, with funding reductions and policy shifts. It aligns with a key policy shift of Te Puni Kōkiri to develop and invest in the workforce to develop the capability and retention of Navigator kaimahi working alongside whānau.
“Te Tauraki is demonstrating its commitment to maintaining stability while building on the legacy of Te Pūtahitanga, which served as the commissioning agency for the past decade,” Rakihia Tau says.
“This starting approach sets the tone for how we will operate,” he adds. “Our Ngāi Tahu values-driven decision-making means every investment, every dollar, must translate into positive, measurable outcomes for whānau Māori.”
While Te Tauraki is a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the organisation emphasises its commitment to serving whānau Māori living in Te Waipounamu. This reflects Ngāi Tahu exercising rangatiratanga – leadership and self-determination – in service of the broader Māori community.
Te Tauraki brings established infrastructure, data insights, and deep community connections to its new commissioning role, being a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, and, having operated as an Iwi Māori Partnership Board since 2022.
“There’s no better way to demonstrate our commitment than by supporting the very people living and breathing this work each day to achieve better outcomes for our whanau,” Rakihia Tau says.
Chair's Update: The transformation of Whānau Ora in Te Waipounamu
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
Te Tauraki charts course for ‘Whānau Ora 2.0’
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.
Media release: Te Tauraki steps up to strengthen whānau wellbeing across Te Waipounamu
Te Tauraki has been selected by Te Puni Kōkiri to become the new Whānau Ora commissioning agency for Te Waipounamu (South Island), taking over operations from July 1.
As one of four new commissioning agencies chosen nationwide, Te Tauraki will be responsible for contracting and supporting services that enhance whānau Māori health and wellbeing outcomes across Te Waipounamu.
Whānau Ora is a government-funded approach that recognises whānau as the foundation of Māori society. It supports whānau to identify priorities and build on strengths to achieve aspirations for health, education, employment, and overall wellbeing.
Te Tauraki is committed to building upon the successful work of Te Pūtahitanga, which was the commissioning agency for the past decade, says Te Tauraki Chair Rakihia Tau.
“We honour their legacy while bringing our own established community connections and understanding to enhance outcomes for whānau in Te Waipounamu.”
The transition comes at a time of significant change, with funding reductions and policy shifts in the sector. Te Tauraki has been working through a tender process to select providers for 97 Whānau Ora Navigators across the South Island for the initial six-month period from July to December 2025.
“We’ve had to make some very difficult decisions, but the quality of submissions from service providers has been exceptionally high,” says Rakihia Tau.
Te Tauraki representatives have been travelling extensively to meet with preferred providers face-to-face.
While Te Tauraki is a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the organisation emphasises its commitment to serving all whānau Māori across Te Waipounamu, of which there are 133,936 individuals based on the 2023 census. About 47,000 people living in Te Waipounamu identify as having whakapapa to Ngāi Tahu.
This approach reflects Ngāi Tahu exercising rangatiratanga – leadership and self-determination – in service of the broader Māori community.
“Our obligations are to all whānau Māori in Te Waipounamu,” says Rakihia Tau.
“We’re exercising Ngāi Tahu rangatiratanga in the way we commission services, guided by our values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. Our focus is firmly on achieving better outcomes for every whānau we serve.”
Te Tauraki brings established infrastructure, data insights, and deep community connections to the function. The agency has been operating as an Independent Māori Partnership Board (IMPB) since 2022 and now adds commissioning responsibilities to its existing functions.
The new commissioning agency will continue to work with service providers across Te Waipounamu to ensure whānau can access support and connect with services and opportunities that align with their aspirations for the future.
The appointment of Te Tauraki represents a significant step in the ongoing evolution of Whānau Ora, ensuring the kaupapa continues to adapt and strengthen in service of whānau Māori wellbeing across the South Island.
Two Ngāi Tahu researchers receive funding for research to improve cancer outcomes for whānau
Two Ngāi Tahu researchers are among five Māori recipients of cancer research scholarships awarded by Te Kāhui Matepukupuku o Aotearoa (Cancer Society of New Zealand) and Hei Āhuru Mōwai Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa. The funding supports efforts to address health inequities for Māori cancer patients.
Jayde Ngata (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou) from the University of Otago, Christchurch, will lead research focused on understanding how tumour bacteria can help improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for people with colorectal (bowel) cancer.
Gemella Reynolds-Hatem (Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Ngāti Hāteatea, Ngāti Waewae – Ngāi Tahu) from the University of Otago, Dunedin, has received a Master’s scholarship for research focused on improving outcomes for Ngāi Tahu whānau affected by the CDH1 gene mutation, linked to breast cancer in wahine.
The funded projects focus on improving outcomes for Māori and addressing health inequities in cancer care.
System inequities lead cause in Māori cancer mortality rates | Te Ao Māori News
Record number of PhD scholarships awarded in Māori Cancer Researcher Awards | NZ Doctor
Whānau at the forefront for researchers | University of Otago
Te Tauraki set to become Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency
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.
Data Specialists join Te Tauraki
We have had two new kaimahi join Te Tauraki as Data Specialists alongside Monique Tupa’i as Data Product Manager. Nau mai, haere mai Raymond rāua ko Stephen!
Read: The Side Eye’s Two New Zealands: The left behind
Read: The Side Eye’s Two New Zealands: The left behind
Read this amazing story about “two New Zealand’s” written and illustrated by Toby Morris at the Spinoff.