The partnership between Te Pae Oranga o Ruahine o Tararua and Sport Manawatū to deliver the He Oranga Poutama fund has been a transformative initiative for Māori hauora (health and wellbeing) in the MidCentral region. In its first example of commissioning, Te Pae Oranga o Ruahine o Tararua, influence and direct almost $200,000 of hauora investment into Māori communities.
This collaboration, rooted in Māori values and practices, has not only increased participation in physical activities but also strengthened community leadership and cultural connection, fostering holistic wellbeing for whānau, hapū, and iwi.
He Oranga Poutama is a unique programme designed by Māori, for Māori, and as Māori, emphasising culturally appropriate physical activities that align with Māori ways of being and knowing. The initiative focuses on five key principles:
1. BY Māori – Activities are governed, managed, and delivered by Māori.
2. FOR Māori – Programmes are tailored to meet the needs of iwi, hapū, and whānau.
3. WITH Māori – Māori language and customs are integral to the activities.
4. THROUGH Māori – Traditional practices and knowledge are incorporated.
5. IN/ON Māori spaces – Activities often take place in culturally significant locations like marae, maunga (mountains), and awa (rivers) .
This approach ensures that Māori communities are not just participants but active leaders in shaping their own hauora outcomes.
Expanding Reach and Impact in the MidCentral Region
The MidCentral/ Ruahine o Tararua region, encompassing Horowhenua, Manawatū, Palmerston North, Tararua, and Ōtaki, has seen significant benefits from He Oranga Poutama. The programme’s expansion into this area has enabled more whānau to engage in physical activities that promote both physical and mental wellbeing.
Key outcomes of the initiative include:
Increased Participation: More Māori whānau are participating in physical activities, from traditional sports to culturally rooted practices like waka ama (canoeing) and kī-o-rahi (a traditional Māori game).
Leadership Development: The programme has nurtured emerging Māori leaders, empowering them to design and deliver activities that resonate with their communities.
Cultural Connection: By incorporating Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into physical activities, He Oranga Poutama has strengthened cultural identity and pride among participants.
Health Equity: The initiative addresses disparities in hauora outcomes by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for Māori communities.
A Collaborative Model for Success
The partnership between Te Pae Oranga o Ruahine o Tararua and Sport Manawatū exemplifies the power of collaboration. Te Pae Oranga, as an Iwi-Māori Partnership Board, brings deep cultural expertise and a commitment to whānau-led solutions, while Sport Manawatū provides the infrastructure and resources to deliver the programme effectively. Together, they have created a model that prioritises Māori voices and aspirations, ensuring that the programme is both impactful and sustainable.
Stories of Transformation
One of the most compelling aspects of He Oranga Poutama is its ability to inspire personal and collective transformation. For example, rangatahi (youth) in the Manawatū region have reported increased confidence and a stronger sense of belonging through their involvement in the programme. Whānau have also shared how the initiative has brought them closer together, fostering intergenerational connections and shared experiences.
Looking to the Future
As He Oranga Poutama continues to grow, its potential to drive positive change in the Ruahine o Tararua region remains immense. The programme’s focus on whānau control and cultural relevance ensures that it will remain a cornerstone of Māori hauora for years to come. By investing in Māori leadership and community-driven solutions, Te Pae Oranga o Ruahine o Tararua and Sport Manawatū are not only improving health outcomes but also paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all .
The partnership to deliver He Oranga Poutama has been an example of progress for Māori hauora in the Ruahine o Tararua region. Through its culturally grounded approach, collaborative model, and transformative impact, the initiative stands as a testament to the power of Māori-led solutions in achieving holistic wellbeing.
