Ideas needed to improve Coast health and wellbeing
Coasters are being asked to give the Takiwā Poutini pilot programme their ideas for improving health and wellbeing this month at venues throughout the region.
Takiwā Poutini was selected in April 2022 by Health New Zealand as one of nine initial localities to develop a new health and wellbeing system prototype. This new approach focuses on providing an improved environment and services so everyone’s wellbeing is as good as possible.
Takiwā Poutini is New Zealand’s most rurally remote locality, which makes equity and access to health and wellbeing services significantly challenging to solve.
Programme Manager Vicki Roper says the programme is taking a “co-design” approach, giving iwi and communities a strong voice in deciding what’s needed in their local area. It also involves different organisations working together better to improve people’s experiences and health and wellbeing outcomes.
“Wellbeing is how you feel about life – it covers emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, social and intellectual environments. Lots of things impact on our wellbeing – housing, employment, roading, education, food, transport and health to name a few. We want to know what really matters – to individuals, to whanau and families, and to communities, and what would make things better,” she says.
Partner agencies involved include Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini West Coast, Te Aka Whai Ora, West Coast Primary Health Organisation, Te Mana Ora Community & Public Health, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha, the Regional Public Service Commissioner (representing all Government services), Buller District Council, Grey District Council and Westland District Council.
“If people can’t make it to one of our drop-in sessions, they can either ring or email me their thoughts. Contact details are on our website www.takiwapoutini.nz.”
