Wednesday 7 September 2022Health news3 minutes to read
The future of health service delivery across Takiwā Poutini West Coast is set to be transformed with the signing of the Takiwā Poutini Partnership Charter at Arahura Marae today.
Takiwā Poutini was selected in April 2022 by Health New Zealand as one of nine initial localities to develop a health system prototype. This new approach will focus on avoiding people getting sick and helping whānau stay well; give iwi and communities a strong voice in deciding what’s needed in their local area; and get different health and wellbeing organisations working together better to improve people’s experiences of health care.
Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini West Coast along with partner agency, Te Aka Whai Ora is working in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio as well as the West Coast PHO, Te Mana Ora Community & Public Health, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha and the Regional Public Service Commissioner to achieve this.
Representative for Ngāti Waewae Rūnanga Lisa Tumahai says, “we are pleased to be working in partnership with health and social services providers – He waka eke noa (We are all in this waka together). This is a great opportunity to prioritise improving the poor hauora (health and wellbeing) outcomes of whānau Māori in Takiwā Poutini.”
“We are working towards a true whānau approach that is holistic, and involves building long-term trusted relationships and wrapping services around whānau.”
Takiwā Poutini is New Zealand’s most rurally remote locality, which makes equity and access to health and wellbeing services significantly challenging to solve.
Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini West Coast’s General Manager Philip Wheble says, as health is only a small part of what makes up our people’s overall health and wellbeing, it’s important we develop a comprehensive approach aimed at improving the wellbeing of our West Coast communities.
“Working in partnership with the other agencies will ensure that we in a strong position to transition to a more integrated sustainable model of health and social services focused on equity, community wellbeing and service integration.”
Takiwā Poutini Partnership is focused on building a programme of engagement and communications that brings West Coast whānau, health and social agencies, and community organisations together. To date, the partnership group has met with Development West Coast, West Coast Mayors and Chairs, and the West Coast Cross Sector Forum, with plans for further engagement and discussions with West Coast Councils after the local body elections.
Takiwā Poutini Partnership Chairperson Kevin Hague says, the development of a West Coast health system prototype offers a fantastic opportunity to ensure we are well placed to provide culturally appropriate, whānau centred services across health, education and the social sector which are responsive to and meet the needs of our communities.
“While there is a lot of work to do, it’s a really exciting time and our team has a real desire to improve our system. We are looking forward to engaging with our West Coast communities and health system partners over the coming months to understand what the local needs and priorities are and how health care might be better delivered locally,” says Mr Hague.
ENDS
More information about Localities is available on the Te Whatu Ora website – Localities – Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand
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Page last updated: 7 September 2022
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