who are we?
Photo: Stewart Nimmo
Takiwā Poutini is a three-year West Coast pilot programme to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for all, particularly focused on Māori, Pacific peoples and people who experience disability.
We know we need to change the way our people and communities are supported and treated. Ideally, we’ll be creating a more holistic model that places people in the centre.
The system co-design will particularly focus on iwi thoughts, ideas and recommendations about how to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
Find out more about the Localities Programme.
Our Vision:
Through partnership between Iwi, community, central and local government, the wellbeing of our communities on the West Coast is improved, and inequities are eliminated
Who are the people involved?
The Programme Manager is Vicki Roper, who has a background focused on quality and safety for health system users. Vicki is a born-and-bred West Coaster who lives in Greymouth.
The partners behind Takiwā Poutini represent Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae and Te Runanga o Makaawhio (Lisa Tumahai); Te Whatu Ora Health NZ Te Tai o Poutini (Philip Wheble); Te Whatu Ora Health NZ Te Mana Ora Te Tai o Poutini (Dr Cheryl Brunton); West Coast Primary Health Organisation (Kevin Hague – Chair); Regional Public Service Commissioner (Craig Churchill); Buller District Council (Graeme Neylon); Grey District Council (Mayor Tania Gibson); Westland District Council (Mayor Helen Lash).
Why is this needed?
To address inequities, we need to do things in a different way from the past. The health and wellbeing needs of people in our takiwā (locality) are not the same as those of the people in other parts of Aotearoa. We want to improve the health and wellbeing of our West Coast people, no matter who they are, or where they live on Te Tai o Poutini. Takiwā Poutini gives us all an opportunity to come up with our own solutions that are place-based.
How are we going about this?
The difference is that the community will shape its own health and wellbeing future. We have, and will continue to, engage with our communities, to hear, in their words, what impacts on their health and wellbeing and what would make the biggest positive difference. Their voice has identified key priorities for action to address wellbeing. We need Whanāu at the forefront of the design process, engaged to co-design community-led solutions to local issues. We’ll trial these new ways of doing things to ensure they better meet the health and wellbeing needs of our communities.
We are supported by our Locality Group partners who cover the range of health and wellbeing services provided on the West Coast. Whānau will be at the centre of everything we do and we will work collaboratively to break down barriers that affect how whānau are able to live their lives.
How do I get involved?
If you, or your group or organisation, want to be part of this action, or for more information, please contact us.
Our Tohu / Logo
Strength, mauri ora, wai ora and whānau are represented in the form of a wave that displays kotahitanga - unity within Te Tai o Poutini.
The wave is a large and powerful force symbolising the strength, resilience and connection between whānau and the environment alongside wellbeing and personal growth.
Colour gradient on the wave represents the colours of pounamu from each of the Rūnanga (Ngāti Waewae green moving through to teal / blue of Makaawhio Aotea).
The Niho (notches on the letter “I”) represents the two papatipu rūnanga.
