About Tihei Wairoa
Our Vision: All whānau across the Wairoa district are thriving.
As a community,
Wairoa prides itself on resilience, unity, and a deep commitment to the future of our people. Through Tihei Wairoa, we aim to foster a thriving community that supports the health, well-being, and aspirations of every whānau across our district.
Our Mission: Tihei Wairoa is dedicated to improving access to health and wellbeing services across Wairoa by listening to whānau voices, identifying community needs, and working closely with iwi, local leaders, and service providers to bring about meaningful change.
We operate as a pilot locality under Aotearoa’s health system reform, building an innovative model for rural healthcare and wellbeing by fostering relationships, creating trust, and tailoring solutions specific to Wairoa’s unique challenges and strengths.
Our Principles: Tihei Wairoa is built upon a foundation of core values that guide our approach:
- Whānau Ora, Whānau First: Prioritizing the needs and aspirations of whānau across Wairoa.
- Āta Haere: Taking deliberate, thoughtful action that allows time for learning and improvement, while focusing on practical solutions.
- Kia Tika, Kia Pono: Using a strengths-based approach informed by whānau voices and guided by transparency and integrity.
Our Approach: The ‘locality’ model is a place-based approach to improving the health and wellbeing of communities, designed to integrate services with the unique needs of each locality. Wairoa, one of the smallest localities and the only one in Hawke’s Bay, was chosen as a pilot due to its high Māori population and unique community spirit. Through this approach, we aim to co-design health initiatives with our community, ensuring they are led by Wairoa, for Wairoa, and with Wairoa.
Our Values: Our work embodies the values of:
- Whānaungatanga: Building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
- Manaakitanga: Demonstrating kindness and care for all.
- Kaitiakitanga: Protecting and nurturing our environment and resources.
- Rangatiratanga: Embracing leadership with respect and responsibility.
- Kotahitanga: Fostering unity and collective purpose.
The Journey Ahead: Tihei Wairoa is taking steps to address the lack of local services in healthcare, wellbeing, and community support. Guided by whānau voices, we are focusing on enhancing access to vital services like dental care, physiotherapy, and podiatry. This journey is not just about meeting today’s needs but also about envisioning a future where Wairoa’s people live in a holistic state of wellness—spiritually, culturally, educationally, environmentally, economically, and socially.
Tihei Wairoa Working Group
The Tihei Wairoa Working Group was established to bring together community-led solutions and collaborations for the betterment of the Wairoa region. Originally one of nine prototype regions, Tihei Wairoa has since expanded its partnerships and initiatives, reflecting the strength and determination of our community. Today, there are 12 regions working collectively under this model, showcasing the scalability and success of this collaborative approach.
Founding Partners:
Tihei Wairoa is supported by nine key organizations, each contributing unique expertise and resources to our shared mission:
- Enabled Wairoa
- Kahungunu Executive ki Te Wairoa Charitable Trust
- Ngāti Pāhauwera Development Trust
- Queen Street Practice
- Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust
- Te Iwi o Rakaipaaka Trust
- Te Whare Maire o Tapuwae Trust
- Wairoa District Council
- Ngāti Kahungunu Wairoa Taiwhenua Incorporated
These organizations represent the diverse voices and strengths of our community, coming together to create a brighter future for Wairoa.
Our Vision:
Tihei Wairoa is a platform for innovation and unity, designed to address the unique challenges of our region. By leveraging the collective wisdom and resources of our partners, we aim to empower individuals, whānau, and communities to thrive.
Learn More:
Explore the incredible work happening across Tihei Wairoa by visiting these articles and resources:
Press Releases