Kā Pou Whenua, previously known as Whakahohoro Te Hau, is a collaborative after-hours crisis support service created to provide a kaupapa Māori community pathway for tangata whaiora (people seeking wellness) aged 18 and over. This service is the result of partnership between He Waka Tapu, Purapura Whetu Trust, Poutini Waiora, and Te Whatū Ora, aimed at individuals who may not meet the criteria for specialist care but need structured support toward hauora (wellbeing).

Kā Pou Whenua adopts a strengths-based approach, fostering inclusive engagement with tangata whaiora and their whānau. The service is designed to support individuals in addressing unique challenges, identifying needs, and working collaboratively with whānau to develop coping strategies for distressing situations, feelings, or events.

Delivered by a diverse team of clinical, cultural, and non-clinical kaimahi, Kā Pou Whenua offers a safe, holistic pathway to wellness, grounded in Mātauranga Māori principles. Operating through a telehealth platform, the service is accessible and flexible for those needing after-hours support.

The Whānau Ora Approach to Long Term Conditions is a wrap-around holistic model based on kaiatawhai supporting people with long term conditions and their whānau members through their health journey.  Kaiatawhai are a small team of kaimahi (staff) who work in a Whānau Ora approach using the Te Whare Tapa Whā Model.  At Poutini Waiora the staff carrying out this role are called Kaiawhina. 

The programme offers people registered with Te Nīkau Health Centre the option of a free primary care assessment by a GP and/or other health professional at either Te Nīkau or Poutini Waiora. The Kaiatawhai set up the appointment time, tautoko and awhi (offer support and care) to accompany the whānau member and can organise transport or any other assistance whānau need.

While building this trusting relationship with whānau, Kaiatawhai follow up after the whānau appointment and continue to tautoko and awhi whānau in their health journey.

Takiwā Poutini is now working with the pilot managers and Te Whatu Ora to capture learnings from the pilot so the model could be picked up by other primary practices on the West Coast.

About a quarter of New Zealanders live with a disability, with more than 900 disabilities listed as hidden or non-visible. This can
include ADHD, brain injury, autism, dyslexia and many more. Being hidden, it’s not immediately obvious when more patience and
understanding is needed.

So far, reception and admin staff at the majority of Te Whatu Ora facilities have completed the training to become Sunflower Champions. Training focuses on understanding hidden disabilities, and how to offer extra assistance to those who choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard or pin.

 Read the media release

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