Meet our kaitautoko hapori health coaches

In this article we introduce Te Piki Oranga kaitautoko hapori, health coaches, who work from medical centres in the community.

Kaitautoko hapori and health improvement practitioners are some of the more recent healthcare professionals available to whānau at their medical centre.

Kaitautoko hapori are qualified to support whānau with:

• Solutions and guidance to reach health goals

• Support to navigate the health system

• Assistance to access the best services

They excel at supporting whānau in the areas of emotional wellbeing, exercise, healthy eating, quitting smoking, living with long-term conditions (eg diabetes) and more.

Shianne Casey – Manu Ora Medical Centre

Kia ora, my name is Shianne Casey and I’m a kaupapa Māori health coach.

Every day I have the privilege of walking alongside whānau on their hauora journey – supporting them not just physically, but emotionally, culturally and spiritually. One of the most rewarding parts of my mahi is seeing whānau receive the care they truly deserve – care that is respectful, holistic and grounded in kaupapa Māori values.

It’s incredibly uplifting to witness the transformation when whānau feel heard, supported and empowered. Whether it's helping them navigate the health system, connecting them with services or simply being a steady presence – it’s all about manaakitanga and whanaungatanga.

This mahi isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. And every time I see a whānau member smile because they finally feel safe and cared for, I’m reminded why I do what I do.

Top award for Shianne

Shianne received an award at the Top of the South Allied Health Scientific & Technical (AHST) Awards Ceremony on 3 September.

She was recognised in the 'Mana Taurite' (equity) category for her work providing improved health outcomes for Māori, upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and promoting inclusivity and cultural safety for all.

Sam Cassidy – St Lukes Health Centre

Kia ora my name is Sam and my role is to walk alongside whānau, supporting them to make sustainable lifestyle changes that improve their overall hauora.

One example that really highlights the impact of this mahi is a tāne who was referred to me who had high blood pressure and cholesterol and who weighed 136 kg. We created an achievable plan focused on changes like adopting a balanced diet and committing to a 30-minute walk each morning before breakfast.

Over the next month, he stuck to the plan with determination and the results were inspiring. He had lost 10 kg, his blood pressure had improved and his cholesterol levels were decreasing.

This is the kind of transformation that reminds me why I do this work. It’s about helping people feel more in control of their wellbeing and supporting them to build habits that uplift their tinana, hinengaro and wairua.

Louise Maki – Picton Medical Centre

Ko Hikurangi te maunga

Ko Rangitaiki te awa

Ko Mātaatua te waka

Ko Tamakihikurangi te whare tipuna

Ko Waiōhau te marae

Ko Patuheuheu te tangata

Ko Tūhoe te iwi

Ko Louise Maki tōku ingoa

Ko Kaitautoko Hapori o Waitohi taku mahi

Kei te noho au ki Waitohi

My name is Louise and my role is Kaitautoko Hapori in Waitohi. Health coaching aims to build tangata whaiora and whānau motivation and capability to better understand and self-managing their physical and emotional wellbeing needs based on mātauranga Māori.

Mere Wetere - Stoke Medical

Kia ora, my name is Mere, I am a health coach dedicated to empowering whānau to make healthier choices and improve their well-being.

In my role, I support GPs and nurses who work with Māori, Pasifika and Asian whānau to improve their health and wellbeing. I use a strength-based coaching approach to walk alongside whānau as they navigate lifestyle change, things like improving their nutrition, getting more exercise and prioritising better sleep.

I also encourage whānau to strengthen their relationships with each other, knowing that functional whānau connections are key to overall wellbeing. Supporting regular activities that uplift their hinengaro (mental health) and wairua (spiritual wellbeing) is a big part of what I do.

Navigating the health system can be overwhelming, so I help whānau understand their options and access the services they need. I work closely with other parts of Te Piki Oranga, and collaborate with agencies like MSD, Kāinga Ora and Nelson Bays Primary Health to help improve living conditions or a financial situation, because these things have a direct impact on hauora.

A restorative justice option for rangatahi

Since 1 July 2025 Te Pae Oranga Iwi Community Panels programme has been extended with a new offering for rangatahi aged 14-17.

Te Piki Oranga has partnered with New Zealand Police, under the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, to provide the panels in Te Tauihu rohe since 2018.

The panels are an alternative to court for minor offending. They give community members a voice, involve victims in the remediation process and save a substantial amount of police and court time.

The new rangatahi option means that the panels are now available to whānau aged 14 years and older across Te Tauihu rohe, through referral by police kaimahi.

Te Pae Oranga Kaikawe Kōrero and panel member Teresa Ngaruhe has undertaken training to facilitate the rangatahi panels.

The rangatahi panels intend to:

• Hold young offenders accountable for their actions while addressing the underlying causes of offending, such as addiction, abuse, family stress or lack of education/employment.​

• Promote healing and reintegration through tikanga Māori (Māori customs), kaupapa Māori (Māori philosophy) and restorative justice practices.​

• Involve victims and encourage their participation to facilitate understanding and amends.​

• Empower rangatahi and their whānau to restore wellbeing, uplift mana (dignity) and prevent reoffending.​

Whānau feedback – a letter from a Te Pae Oranga Panel participant in Wairau (age 23)

I am writing to thank you for the compassionate approach you took in handling my recent situation. I am truly grateful for being given the opportunity to work with Te Piki Oranga, rather than being sent through the court system.

Your decision has had a positive impact. Te Piki Oranga has provided me with tools, guidance and a different view on some things in my life. This chance to address things in an environment focused on helping me has been valuable.

I appreciate your willingness to offer a path focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. I understand how different things could have been, and I appreciate this opportunity.

Thank you.

Kōrero mai

Introducing Teresa Ngaruhe – Kaikawe Kōrero / Te Pae Oranga

Teresa Ngaruhe

Ko Taranaki tōku maunga

Ko Aotea tōku waka

Ko Aokehu tōku awa

Ko Pākaraka tōku pā

Ko Ngā Rauru tōku iwi

He uri anō nō Ngāti Apa ki Wairiki, Tūwharetoa,

Ngāti Kahungunu

How do you feel about being able to now offer panels to rangatahi in Te Tauihu?

I am beyond delighted! We are aware other avenues existed to address offending with rangatahi; however, we believe Te Pae Oranga has the ability to create, with the whānau, a solution-based plan to address accountability and find meaningful supports.

What has the response been to the panels?

The response from police has been supportive, with a youth aide officer observing that they had not heard rangatahi speak so much about their situation before – usually it is adults speaking.

I believe building the relationship with police and Te Pae Oranga will strengthen panel outcomes and supports for all rangatahi and whānau we meet.

Feedback from whānau has been positive, for example about the inclusion of te reo Māori and the recognition of tikanga that is important to them such as karakia and mihi. Non-Māori have been open and respectful of this process also. One non-Māori rangatahi, when asked about her acceptance of the process and learning te reo Māori, commented, “why wouldn’t I?”

Results from some of the first rangatahi panels in other rohe show significantly lower reoffending rates when compared to more punitive approaches. Hei whakaaro?

Research into punitive approaches for all ages shows less positive outcomes than expected. In the short time I have been in this space, I believe rangatahi panels allow a holistic lens that acknowledges whānau/caregivers in the solution solving, with a view to explore the ‘why’ of an offence.

Our hope is that when we learn this, we can then support lifestyle change in behaviour and outcomes. We walk this journey with rangatahi and whānau over a specified timeframe. This allows trust and relationships to form and we can further assist them as needed.

What are some of the differences and similarities between adult and rangatahi panels?

Rangatahi panels involve whānau presence – we hear their stories and voice together – whereas adult panels involve an individual.

However, in both instances we encourage context, with an understanding that people don’t usually wake up and decide to offend. Intention is explored. Confidentiality and safety in the rangatahi space is paramount, as is the role of service providers that already have a relationship with rangatahi and their whānau. Again, a holistic approach to solution-focused outcomes.

What inspired you to train up to run rangatahi panels?

I have always had an interest in rangatahi, as a mother of four adult children, 12 mokopuna and one great granddaughter. We raised/whāngai my nephew through to adulthood and also a mokopuna from 5-16 years old.

I completed a placement in Sports Programs and Alternative Education with Highbury Whānau Centre in Palmerston North. Rangatahi training was provided by police, covering safety, confidentiality, whānau dynamics and more. I continue to receive support and communication with police as we walk alongside rangatahi and whānau.

Read more about Te Pae Oranga.

Bringing driver testing closer to home

In a heartening collaboration with our He Tangata driver licencing and education programme, the VTNZ Portable Theory Testing team brought their services to Waimeha.

VTNZ kaimahi Jan and Jess and TPO driving instructor Emani.

The VTNZ days in June and August were an opportunity for local whānau enrolled with He Tangata to sit their learner licence tests at our Waimeha tari on Queen St.

By eliminating the need to travel to a VTNZ branch, and having the support of Te Piki Oranga as a base, this initiative was transformative says lead driving instructor Emani Soane.

“One standout moment was when a māmā sat her theory test with her pēpi by her side, a scenario that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional testing centre,” says Emani.

The familiar surroundings and the tautoko of the community helped calm any test-day nerves. “The flexibility and whānau-friendly environment made a real difference, easing nerves and creating a space where people felt supported and comfortable,” Emani says.

The results speak for themselves

Emani is delighted to report a 100% pass rate for the learner licence group (photo below).

“The results speak for themselves – every single participant passed, which is a testament to their hard work and the supportive environment created by the team.

“We’re hopeful this is just the beginning of more accessible, community-based licensing opportunities. Whakamihi ki a koutou – your mahi was truly rawe.”

Read about He Tangata and how to access this service.

He Tangata learner licence group whānau with Jan and Jess from VTNZ (front row) and Emani (standing, right).

Ka hinga, ka tū, ka ora! Whānau action for Auahi Kore – Smokefree

By Melissa Nally – Pūkenga Manaaki, Te Hā Aukati Kaipaipa

A Wairau whānau’s collective commitment to becoming auahi kore (smokefree) is inspiring others in the community, showing the power of whānau support when it comes to breaking free, to be smokefree.

This whānau journey began in June 2025, when Nikora self-referred to Te Piki Oranga’s Te Hā smokefree support program. Shortly after beginning her journey, she injured her back and became homebound, which she chose to take as an opportunity to focus on her new smokefree lifestyle.

Throughout her journey, experiencing occasional slips, Nikora leaned on her co-workers, whānau and Te Hā quit coach for support and returned to the kaupapa, showing her strength and resilience.

Around the same time, Nikora’s sister, Meleana, and Meleana’s partner, Rima, also decided to become smokefree. Nikora helped connect them with Te Hā and they joined the vape-to-quit programme.

Meleana then referred her co-worker, Brendon, to Te Hā. Brendon was looking for better coping mechanisms than turning to cigarettes, but was finding it difficult to quit while cigarettes were easily accessible to him.

Brendon’s partner joined Te Hā to support him. The couple are now both smokefree and Brendon’s lungs will be much happier when he runs the marathon planned for December. Finally, the youngest sister in the whānau, encouraged by the success of Nikora and Meleana, was keen to ‘jump on that waka’. She too joined Te Hā and collectively the three sisters made the successful tranistion to a smokefree life with the support of using vapes as a tool to quit cigarettes.

The whānau is now preparing for the next phase of their journey – to become nicotine-free by quitting vaping. A guideline pānui titled “An Ex-Smoker’s Guide to Becoming Smokefree” has been developed to support individuals in transitioning off vapes when they feel confident in their smokefree identity.

The whānau continues to support each other, taking steps at their own pace and celebrating each achievement.

Quitting smoking isn’t easy – but with the support of whānau and a Te Hā quit coach, it becomes a journey that’s not only possible, but empowering.

Find out more about Te Hā and how to start your journey to becoming, and staying, smoke-free.

Te Piki Oranga quit coaches Vika Latu, Taylor Leggett and Melissa Nally.

Te Whare Tautoko Whakawhiti o Te Tauihu: A new era for needle exchange services

On 1 October Te Piki Oranga became the provider of the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme in the Whakatū / Nelson region.

The day started with a karanga whare to bless the new tari on Collingwood St, very close to the site of the former tari, with the name ‘Te Whare Tautoko Whakawhiti o Te Tauihu’.

From the tari, our Needle Exchange Tautoko Team (NETT) provide people who inject drugs with easy, confidential and free access to the equipment they need to stay safe from harm.

We are part of Te Waipounamu Collective, alongside Ngā Kete Matauranga Pounamu, He Waka Tapu and Poutini Waiora, who collectively provide this service for whānau in the South Island.

Te Piki Oranga, with our partners, has prioritised making the transition a smooth process for service users, who should not notice too much of a difference.

Harm reduction is one of our main service goals. We recognise that drug use is a reality and that safety and health must come first. We work to:

• Minimise the risk of infection

• Prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C

• Provide safer injecting equipment

• Ensure access to support and education

Find out more about this service and how to access it.

NETT kaimahi and their Te Piki Oranga hoamahi at the blessing of Te Whare Tautoko Whakawhiti o Te Tauihu.

Heartfelt support for Heartlands

Pete Seddon and Natasha Knowles.

Our Heartland Services team in Waitohi / Picton was delighted to be recognised for their mahi in July.

The positive feedback came via a ‘community recognition’ inititive led by Four Square Picton. Store owner Pete Seddon presented the team, represented by pūkenga manaaki Natasha Knowles, with a celebratory cake. “We're happy to recognise the work that Heartlands does for our community, helping people navigate complicated or tough issues, and we feel blessed to have you in our town,” Pete said.

Natasha says the Waitohi community’s support is deeply meaningful. “The appreciation shown by our community affirms the importance of providing friendly, welcoming, and supportive services to everyone we see at Heartlands.

“Ngā mihi nui to Four Square and to everyone who continues to uplift and support our kaupapa.”

https://www.tpo.org.nz/heartland

Wonderful wahakura wānanga

To coincide with Safe Sleep Day on 6 June, and supported by Hāpai Te Hauora’s National SUDI Prevention Coordination Service, some of our Te Puāwai he Kākano whānau were invited to participate in a wahakura wānanga with kairāranga from around Te Tauihu.

Local artist and wānanga organiser Lovey Elkington says that each of whānau was able to weave their own wahakura while sharing kōrero around whakapapa, pūrakau and whānau tikanga.

Participant Kuraarangi Taituha-Ropoama says that, “Being a part of this course was a beautiful experience. Thank you so much to all the wāhine that were able to help us bring a better safe sleep wahakura for all our babies.”

Participant Huhana Ginty also shared her experience: “One sentence summing up our experience was how privileged we felt to be able to weave a lasting taonga for our pēpi from our own hands as well as weave a bond between all those there as well.”

Read about Te Puāwai he Kākano and how to access these services.

Back row, from left: Ana Beech, Atawhai Teaukura (kairāranga), Sam Cassidy, Missy Broughton (kairāranga), Anne Rapana.

Front row, from left: Kuraarangi Taituha-Ropoama, Tiarhān Taituha-Ropoama, Grayson Cassidy, Ngaio Richards, Huhana Ginty..

Manu Ora: General Practice of the Year 2025

Manu Ora, our partner kaupapa Māori general practice in Te Waiharakeke (Blenheim) was named GenPro General Practice of the Year at the 2025 New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri Ora in Auckland in September.

Established in 2021 as a charitable trust and partnership with Te Piki Oranga, Manu Ora is the only kaupapa Māori general practice in Te Tauihu.

The majority of Manu Ora whānau are Māori, Pasifika, those experiencing homelessness and whānau with complex needs. Many Manu Ora whānau face significant barriers to accessing care elsewhere.

The GP practice’s low-cost services, extended consultations, wraparound support and outreach areall designed to improve equity and health outcomes.

The awards judges praised Manu Ora for its “focus on kaupapa Māori, pan-iwi governance, community connection, and a multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach with continuity and impact on both patients and the system.”

Dr Sara Simmons and Dr Rachel Inder, co-founders and clinical directors of Manu Oram acknowledge the contribution from their hoamahi.

“It’s a reflection of the work of our whole team – and gives real credit to the model of care we operate under. “We also see this as recognition of the tremendous community collaboration behind this kaupapa. Our work relies on grants, patient fees, Te Whatu Ora contracts and donations to top-up capitation.

“Every year we have to raise over 70 per cent of our costs to keep the doors open. But, as this award recognises, what we’re doing works, so we’re passionate about making it happen,” say Sara and Rachel.

In addition to the GenPro General Practice of the Year award, Sara and Rachel were jointly awarded a Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners’ Community Service Medal.

One of New Zealand’s highest professional accolades in general practice, this medal recognises GPs whose service goes beyond clinical excellence to deliver measurable benefits to their communities. Dr Sara and Dr Rachel received this honour at the RNZCGP Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch, alongside 10 others.

Manu Ora is more than a clinic. It’s a movement where a friendly, innovative and equity-driven approach is transforming lives. It is a place where hauora is nurtured, barriers are broken down and whānau are empowered to thrive.

From left: Dr Angus Chambers (Chair, GenPro), Dr Rachel Inder, Dr Sara Simmons and Anne Hobby (Tumuaki, TPO).

How Tikanga Māori programmes can break the cycle of offending

Our successful Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme has been funded for a further four years by Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections.

Ara Poutama refers people on sentence with Corrections in the community in Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui (Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough) into the programme.

The programme aims to reduce re-offending by motivating participants to engage in rehabilitation and change behaviours. Te Piki Oranga delivers the programme as a noho wānanga – an immersive, deep learning experience over three days on a marae.

This year Ara Poutama issued a new Request for Proposals (RfP), for an updated programme. Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui iwi were given the opportunity to submit proposals and iwi members represented on the Ara Poutama selection panel.

We have won contracts to provide the programme for the past eight years. Tumuaki Anne Hobby and Kōtuitui Hapori (Community Co-ordinator) Sonny Alesana have led delivery of the programme since the start and are thankful for the support shown by ngā iwi o te Tauihu.

“Tikanga programmes help break the cycle of offending, and help people to turn their lives around, by strengthening their connection with their culture,” Anne says.

“There are many factors to rehabilitation but an increase in tikanga knowledge and in māramatanga, those breakthrough moments, can motivate someone to address factors behind their offending.”

Referral into the programme is handled by Ara Poutama, with Te Piki Oranga undertaking a pre-programme assessment to determine a participant’s readiness, says Sonny.

“These are not whiteboard sessions, and a noho wānanga is not a holiday either.

“Wānanga are about the doing, active learning. We create an environment, tailored to the group dynamics and participants, around useful learning. 

“A Kawa ō te Ako, a set of foundations, protocols and guidelines, is agreed at the beginning of the wānanga and the rules of the host marae are also laid down. Everyone is expected to follow them. There is usually a high degree of respect for the protocols and participants often hold each other to these standards,” Sonny says.

Marae setting integral to immersive learning and experience

Programme wānanga are usually held at marae in Te Tauihu rohe.

“The programme works because of the values of Māoridom and the tikanga of a marae setting,” Sonny says.

“A noho wānanga offers the type of immersive learning and participation that can trigger the start of deep change.

“Learning and testing begins immediately – with the pre-programme assessment that is shaped by the tikanga of mihimihi and whanaungatanga, and from the very start of each day when we are up before dawn to start the day’s work appropriately with karakia, waiata, pepeha practice and kai.

“Wānanga are a group activity, and participants must behave in a way that respects other participants, local marae hosts and our tutors,” says Sonny.

“By the end of the wānanga, participants are leading marae and wānanga tikanga. They are leading waiata and karakia,” Sonny says.

 “It doesn’t surprise us what people can learn and achieve and how much they can grow in three days – but it does sometimes surprise the person on this journey. Newly acquired or stronger skills in tikanga and te ao Māori can help someone find their standing in the community which you need when you are getting back into employment, community work and parenting.”

Whānau involvement key to success

Te Piki Oranga is one of only a few providers of Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme for Ara Poutama that offers a programme for participant’s whānau – usually a partner and children.

“The whānau component to the programme is grounded in evidence that the involvement of whānau is influential to successful outcomes,” Anne says.

“We extend the programme to partners and children, giving them access to healing, healthcare, an enhanced connection to their whakapapa and the chance to upskill in tikanga Māori.

“For some, it is a chance to reconnect with a whānau member who has been in the justice system, in a facilitated way,” Anne says.

The journey continues post-programme

Another factor that has made Te Piki Oranga the preferred provider for the Ara Poutama programme is the organisation’s capacity to support participants through their ongoing rehabilitation.

Unmet health and wellness needs are some of many factors leading to offending, says Sonny.

“The programme can reveal a lot. We see undiagnosed or unaddressed hearing loss, chronic health conditions, addictions and deep trauma from years of gang life for example.”

Many Te Piki Oranga kaimahi contribute to the programme, talking with participants about quit smoking services, mental health services, Well Child Tamariki Ora services and more.  

Click here for more information about the Tikanga Māori Motivational Programme.

Whānau learning mau rākau

Hapori happenings in ngahuru

Te Piki Oranga kaimahi support community events to share health information and connect with whānau.

Here are some of the events we supported in March 2025.

Kia ora – E te iwi Cancer Education and Prevention Hauora Expo

• 8 March at the Victory Community Centre in Whakatū / Nelson

• Organised by the Cancer Society Te Kāhui Matepukupuku a Aotearoa

• Featuring presentations and kaimahi from Te Piki Oranga, Nelson Bays Primary Health, Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, Pacific Radiology, Te Waka Hauora and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ.

Te PIki Oranga Ratonga Pukupuku Manaaki / Cancer Care Services represented at the expo. The kaupapa of Ratonga Pukupuku Manaaki is to support whānau affected by cancer and to improve the quality of their lives.

Read about Ratonga Pukupuku Manaaki / Cancer Care Services

Mauri Ora – Every Life Matters Hīkoi (for mental health and suicide awareness)

• 8 March at Rutherford Park in Whakatū / Nelson

• Organised by Maataa Waka ki te Tau Ihu

• Supported by Te Piki Oranga, Maataa Waka Ki te Tau Ihu, Nelson City Council, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, Kia Piki Te Ora, the Heart Foundation, Pathways, Te Korowai Trust, Nelson Bays Primary Health, Māori Women’s Welfare League, Red Cross, Employable NZ, NZ Fire Service and many more.

The day highlighted community connectivity and the need for more support in mental health and suicide prevention services.

Te Piki Oranga kaimahi Lauren Sainty works in the Te Ata Pūao team (mental health services) in Whakatū. She attened the hīkoi, and reported:

‘My involvement in the event was truly impactful! Engaging with various organisations and gaining a clearer understanding of their roles in the community was a valuable experience.  We were able to distribute information about Te Piki Oranga’s mental health services and even receive referrals, highlighting the importance of our presence.

“The stories from guest speakers' Rutu King-Hazel and Dee Keefe were clearly powerful and thought-provoking, bringing depth to the conversation around suicide awareness. The hikoi being such an emotional experience for many made it even more meaningful. The community spirit was evident, especially with the rangatahi performing kapa haka and the shared enjoyment of the sausage sizzle.

“Overall, our participation contributed to a day filled with connection, learning, and support’.”

Heartland Services into the rhythm of its second year

It has been more than a year since Heartland Services opened its doors on Waitohi / Picton’s main street, providing access to Government and community services for rural whānau.

Heartlands – Ngā Ratonga ki te Manawa o te Whenua – became a place where people could get support kanohi ki te kanohi, face to face, in a world where many services have moved online.

We asked Brigid Eriksen, Kaituitui Pumanawa Whenua/Heartlands Coordinator, to tell us about her first year with Heartlands. Here is her kōrero:

The first year was tough, setting up a new tari, and going through an intense time of people getting to know us, and know what we do.  Now we are in our second year and while more people know us (although people still ask), this year has been even more full on with a lot of networking/whakawhanaungatanga which has carried through to now.  

I had support from Wairau kaimahi as I started out alone and they continue to awhi us here in Waitohi.

Heartland Services kaimahi Natasha and Brigid, on the Waitahi foreshore not far from the Heartlands hub on Main St.

What is a typical week like at Heartlands?

On the most recent Monday I had 21 people walk through the door.  We are getting regulars who come for a chat or a coffee and who just need support some for their loneliness. 

I started a regular ‘coffee and kōrero’ hui this year on Thursdays to support our local community, and ask our staff and locals who they would like to hear from as a speaker.

Our biggest thing at the moment would be our Community Hui which started as bi-monthly in December 2024 but which quickly needed to be made a monthly hui.  We gather to talk about what is happening in Waitohi, share about our individual mahi and share pānui. It’s a great time of whakawhanaungatanga and kotahitanga.

How is the Waitohi community engaging with Heartlands?

The three classes of morning Tai Chi are going well and are well-attended.  People are also loving the Holistic Pulsing sessions.

We still have transient people, those without homes, coming in to Heartlands and we help in whatever way we can. It might be a cuppa and biscuits, a kai parcel if we have any, help with WINZ or emergency accommodation.  Sometimes I think they want someone to talk to.

People are still needing kai and we direct them to other supports if we don’t have anything to give, such as the Vinnies Op Shop or the Picton Foodbank.

Our work brokers, offering employment support, continue to be available weekly to people, as do Community Law kaimahi and our person from Connected.

People also come in for help wiht technology, with their phones and laptops or to get photocopies or something scanned.

A Coffee & Kōrero session underway at Heartland Services.

Where can I find out what is happening on Heartlands?

We are a dynamic, responsive service that changes regularly according to what people tell us they need most. We do have a regular schedule of drop-in sessions and support groups, such as Community Law, Inland Revenue and Whānau Ora navigators from Waikawa Marae.

We recommend following Te Piki Oranga on Facebook, and to keep an eye on our webpage: www.tpo.org.nz/heartland

Our new premises and a new place to stand

Te Piki Oranga will realise a long-held intention to bring services together when we move to our new health hub at the former ‘Otumarama’ site in Stoke by November.

After 10 years of providing primary healthcare services from three different leased locations in Whakatū / Nelson and Waimea / Richmond, we are now planning the delivery of services from one place at 199 Nayland Rd.

Go to the web page about the new health hub where you can find questions and answers and the latest information.

A mahi tahi (togetherness) day was held for kaimahi to tidy up the grounds before renovations begin.

Winter wellness tips for a warmer, drier whare

Tips for a warmer, drier whare this winter

We are a Whare Ora service / Healthy Homes Initiative provider in the Whakatū, Tasman and Wairau regions.

This service aims to increase the number of children and their whānau living in warm, dry and safer homes. Doing this will reduce the number of children needing medical care caused by unhealthy homes.

This winter, the Whare Ora team in Wairau /Marlborough have collated a set of practical, achievable tips to help whānau keep their homes warmer and drier. In turn, whānau can save on energy costs.

The tips are on this page, or download them as a PDF here.

Read more about Whare Ora / Healthy Homes here.

Breast screening made more accessible for wāhine

A first for Wairau with the arrival of the mobile screening unit

Te Piki Oranga was pleased to offer wāhine in Wairau / Marlborough better access to breast screening services, with the Breast Screen South mobile clinic making its first visit to the region in May.

With the mobile unit based at Ūkaipō, the Rangitāne Cultural Centre, wāhine could have their screening done in a local, community setting – not just at the Radiology Department at Wairau Hospital. This was a significant step towards making screening more accessible, particularly for Māori and Pasifika wāhine, says Lorraine Staunton, Kaiwhakahaere Ratonga (Service Delivery Manager), for Te Piki Oranga.

The mobile screening unit is a large, custom-built bus equipped with advanced breast screening technology. While new to Marlborough, it is successfully used in other regions, bringing vital services closer to where people live.

A whānau-centred approach: screening with wrap-around support

The mobile unit and team travelled to Motueka next after Wairau, basing themselves at our health hub near Te Āwhina Marae.

At both Wairau and Motueka, Te Piki Oranga hosted Mana Wāhine clinics to encourage wāhine to attend their screenings in a safe, supportive environment, with access to other health services, all in one place:
• cervical screening and HPV self-testing
• immunisations
• health checks
• access to rongoā Māori practitioners
• hauora information and support

Whītiki taua... that’s us, wāhine mā!

Hauora Māori and wāhine health are priorities for many Māori and Pasifika organisations across Te Tauihu. To reflect their shared kaupapa, wāhine toa from Te Piki Oranga, Rangitāne ki Wairau, Waikawa Marae, the Māori Women’s Welfare League, Hawaiki Kura, and the Pasifika Trust came together to share a collective message of care and commitment to whānau wellbeing: Whītiki taua... that’s us, wāhine mā!’

“We are saying ‘Whītiki taua…that’s us, wāhine ma!’ as a call to action to all the māmā, nannies, sisters, aunties, cousins, and besties to check in with each other. Let’s make sure we're up to date with our breast screening,” Lorraine says.

“Let’s book our appointments and show up together, knowing that Te Piki Oranga is there to awhi you through the experience.

“Because when breast cancer is found early, it can be treated. That’s the truth. And yet, wāhine Māori and Pasifika are still more likely to be diagnosed late – and to die from this disease. That’s why it is important to do your screening every two years, even when you do not have any symptoms of breast cancer.

“It is also important to support each other to be aware about breast cancer symptoms, and to see your GP or healthcare practitioner as soon as you can when you have any concerns about your breast health.

“We’re doing this to close the equity gap. To give all our wāhine, no matter where we live or who we are, the chance to live long, healthy lives. This is about changing the stats, one wāhine at a time,” Lorraine says.

Hauora Māori and women’s health are important to many Māori and Pasifika organisations in Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Mauī. To show how much they care, a group of wāhine toa from Te Piki Oranga, Rangitāne ki Wairau, Waikawa Marae, the Māori Women’s Welfare League, Hawaiki Kura and the Pasifika Trust collaborated for a special photo to illustrate their message to whānau: Whītiki taua... that’s us, wāhine mā!

Photo credit: David James

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Aotearoa

Māori and Pasifika wāhine are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, and are more likely to experience poorer outcomes.

“When breast cancer is found early through regular screening, it’s highly treatable. But there are still too many barriers to ensure wāhine Māori and Pasifika women access screening services at the same rate as others,” Lorraine says.

In the Nelson Marlborough region, the screening rates are:

• Wāhine Māori: 68.3%

• Pasifika wāhine: 53.6%

• Non-Māori, non-Pasifika women: 77.1%

The national target for breast screening is 70%.

Photos from Ūkaipō

Photos clockwise from the top left:

• Te Piki Oranga kaimahi Donna, Kate, Tania and Kaye welcoming wāhine to Ūkaipō

• Karen MacDonald recieved her mammogram at Ūkaipō, seen here with kai gift bags for participants

• Kaye MacDonald is Te Piki Oranga Breast Screening Kaituitui. She is on the right next to members of the Breast Screen South team

• Some of the kai offered to wāhine attending their mammography appointment.

Members of the Māori Women’s Welfare League (Marlborough branch) in support of Mana Wāhine screening clinics at Ūkaipō, the Rangitāne Cultural Centre.

Photos from Te Āwhina Marae, Motueka

Photos clockwise from the top left:

• Barbara attending her mammogram appointment. In October 2024, the Whakatū / Nelson Tasman region became the first region in Aotearoa New Zealand to extend screening to 74 year old wāhine ahead of the nationwide roll-out of extended screening to 70 to 74 year-olds.

• Piki Oranga kaimahi Tania Smith and Gloria Eggeling, welcoming wāhine to their screening.

• Myra Upson attended her mammogram appointment and received this special cape made by the Motueka screening team.

• Myra with Breast Screen South kaimahi.

He Tangata awarded for cultural inclusion and equity gains

He Tangata is our driver licensing support programme where we help whānau overcome barriers to gaining a licence, towards increased independence and wellbeing.

Emani Soane and Te Piki Oranga Tumuaki Anne Hobby with the 2025 Driving Change Cultural Inclusion and Equity trophy awarded to He Tangata.

Under the leadership of driving instructor and Te Piki Oranga kaimahi Emani Soane, He Tangata is also an award-winning programme:

• In May 2025, He Tangata won the ‘Cultural Inclusion and Equity’ category of the Driving Change Network Awards

• In 2023, He Tangata won the ‘Outstanding By Māori for Māori’ category

The Driving Change Network brings together passionate advocates, industry leaders, policy makers and community organisations dedicated to equitable and accessible driver licensing in Aotearoa.

For the awards this year, Emani took up the wero (challenge) to make a video about how He Tangata helps to reduce cultural and systemic barriers to driver licensing success. The video was submitted for the 2025 awards – winning the ‘Cultural Inclusion and Equity’ category.

Unwavering commitment to whānau

Wendy Robertson, National Director of the Driving Change Network, praised Emani for his “incredible mahi”.

“At the heart of it all is Emani’s unwavering commitment to whānau – creating safe, supportive learning spaces where people feel seen, capable, and proud.

“By centring people, culture, and connection, He Tangata is helping build confidence, independence, and equity on our roads, and Emani’s leadership is driving that change forward,” Wendy says.

Emani’s mihi

“I want to acknowledge Ariel, Leah, and Nikorima for being open to share their story on film.

“As kaimahi you can share stories and the experiences, of some the challenges, courageous conversations, the scary moments, the laughs, the not-joyful occasions, and the celebrations inside and outside of the car. But to have that lived experience of whānau sharing their testimony in this way, you can’t beat it.”

Emani also thanks David Edwards (Nelson Tasman Police) and his Te Pae Oranga hoamahi (colleagues) for connecting him with Police videographer, Jen, to make the video.

Tools are the taonga to success

Emani says that plenty of tools are needed to coach whānau through the graduated licence programme –from learner’s, to restricted to full.

“Using kaupapa Māori and Pasifika (Tokelau) is a great way to connect with your whānau in a classroom environment or in the car,” he says.

“I see my role as being like a kaiwhakaako or pule hiva (educator). You’re responsible for getting them to the level to be able to showcase their skills with confidence on ‘kapahaka day’ (test day). When mistakes happen during lessons, kaiwhakaako will either swap seats and demonstrate the correct procedure, or say “ano” – do it again – until the whānau understands the patterns, manoeuvres or safe car handling.”

Emani gives a big ‘thank you’ to all whānau who have graduated from, and who are enrolled with, He Tangata.

“Thank you for helping to design the taonga and tools that we use today in our driving programme.

“Mihi also to all stakeholders, those of you who tautoko Te Piki Oranga and He Tangata. Mihi to our kaimahi who do all the mahi unseen in the background.”

Click here for more information about He Tangata

Watch Emani’s award-winning video

Photo captions:

Top left: Emani receiving the award for He Tangata from Wendy Robertson at the 2025 Driving Change Network awards.

The other photos were taken during the filming of Emani’s video about He Tangata.

Kirihimete hākari for our Noho Pākari whānau in Wairau

Noho Pākari is a ‘sit and be fit’ gentle exercise programme to help people stay mobile and active.

For Kirihimete (Christmas) in 2024, a special hākari (banquet) was prepared for our Wairau and Waitohi Noho Pākari whānau, kaimahi and manuhiri.

Wikitoria MacDonald is Pūkenga Manaaki for Kōrua Kuia Wairau. She was there to celebrate with whānau and capture the aroha, koa (joy) and whakawhetai (gratitude) with her camera. See Wikitoria’s photos below and read her kōrero about the day, as follows:

By Wikitoria MacDonald

On 17 December we held our Christmas hākari with our Noho Pākari koroua and kuia in Wairau, at the Church of the Nativity in Waiharakeke (Blenheim).

Ka whiti mai te Rā, ka hari koa  te ngākau!

Matua John Mutu and Daniel Salter arrived early to set up our hall while others decorated the tables and helped us prepare kai in the kitchen. The atmosphere was festive and lively. 

Though I was busy moving between different jobs, I was also ordered by kaumātua to put on some music to keep our early arrivals entertained! There was a lovely air of expectation to the morning. 

Once everyone had arrived and matua John had opened up our kaupapa in karakia, everyone took the opportunity to share their pepeha.  Both the Waitohi and Wairau Noho Pākari groups had come together, so it was an appropriate time to kōrero.  We then moved into singing waiata before Aunty Amo Poki from Waikawa (and myself on guitar) entertained everyone with some Honky Tonk piano and a few songs from the ‘50s. 

After that, everyone enjoyed the full buffet table.  Thanks to Te Piki Oranga we enjoyed a hot meal of chicken, pasta salads, green salads, roast potatoes, kumara and carrots, homemade stuffing, fried bread and gravy.  I invited those who could to bring a kai koha, so our dessert table was full. 

Upon hindsight I should have allocated a photographer for the day as I was so busy, but I still took lots of photos (below) of those people who gave me verbal consent to do so.

We tried to give presents to our kaumātua, but we ran out of time. They still loved their hākari, the fruit punch and entertainment and didn’t mind that we had run out of time for presents. Along with the good company, enjoyable meal and some light entertainment from both aunty Amo and the booster speaker, it was a good day for everyone. 

The leftover kai was packed to take-away, which was appreciated. Overall, a great Christmas day celebration. Acknowledgment goes out to staff who helped throughout the year, our volunteer Jesse who couldn’t make it for the hākari, and of the service Te Piki Oranga ki Wairau.  Thank you admin for the sharing of your ideas and tautoko, thank you Ricky Carr and thank you to my work colleagues who supported with whaiora tautoko.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Row 1, left to right: Aunty Flo, kuia; Helen and Erin, ‘Christmas Cakers’, Libbie and Sonia

Row 2, left to right: Matua John and Rod; Rod; ‘chatty’ Sonia

Row 3, left to right: Tasha and Teressa; whaea Frances and Gwen; beautiful Heeni

Row 4, left to right: Stephen; matua Pita enjoying a laugh; Jennifer and whaea Amo

Row 5, left to right: Matua John and Iain; one of two Christmas cakes; Tony and Jacqui                                 

Row 6, left to right: Glennis and Peggy; Helen, wonderful soup maker; enjoying the dessert table

Row 7, left to right: Dressed tables; the dessert table

Empowering whānau with wellbeing

By Tāwhaki Simons – Kaiārahi Hōtaka, Cancer Society (Nelson and Motueka)

In October, Te Piki Oranga collaborated with the Cancer Society to host a whānau wellbeing day in Ōmaio (Stoke). Here is Tāwhaki Simons’ pakiwaitara:

Tāne Matua, Tāne-nui-a-Rangi, Tāne Whakapiripiri, whakarongo mai, whakarongo mai

Nāu i wehe ngā mātua, nāu ko te rā, nāu ko te pō Nāu i whakairi te whānau mārama, nāu ko te awatea Nāu i tiki atu ngā mātauranga, nāu ko te wānanga Nāu i pupuhi te hauora, nāu ko te tangata

Nāu ahau, nāu ahau Tīhei Mauri Ora!

The kaupapa of this day was to empower whānau by providing them with the opportunity to whakarongo, kōrero and connect around their hauora.

Kaumātua, rangatahi and tamariki, tāne and wāhine were offered information about services and support. A fun icebreaker quiz incorporated serious and relevant messaging about prevention, and giveaways also reinforced positive health messages.

Noi Burgess, Kaituhituhi Matepukupuku, spoke about the cancer support services offered by Te Piki Oranga. The highlight of the day was rangatira Te Ururoa Flavell’s kōrero about his haerenga with prostate cancer – his passion for life was inspiring to all in attendance.

Te Ururoa spoke engagingly about the emotional rollercoaster of receiving a cancer diagnosis, going through treatment and his willingness to throw everything at his illness for the sake of his whānau.

He passionately implored tāne to be proactive with their hauora and have regular check-ups. “It’s about relationships,” Te Ururoa emphasised. “When we’re not well, it impacts the whole whānau!”

The feedback from whānau was very positive:

• “It was good to talk to another tāne with the same cancer”

• “We need more of these sorts of events to keep people talking and thinking about their health for their whānau’s sake”

• “The manaakitanga and kai were amazing”

• “I actually only came for a kai with my whānau but ended up taking away some things to think about”

One tāne told me a few days later that his wife had insisted on him getting a prostate specific antigen test after listening to Te Ururoa’s kōrero.

Photos above: Kaimahi and whānau in attendance

Te Ururoa Flavell gave inspirational cancer kōrero

Te Puāwai he Kākano: Pēpi Pākohe and In-home Immunisation

By Lovey Elkington - Pūkenga Manaaki Te Puāwai he Kākano

Pēpi Pākohe – raising confident and resilient pēpi

Our Pēpi Pākohe rōpū (parents’ group) was started in response to whānau feeling isolated and wanting to meet other whānau in similar, or not so similar, circumstances.

Te Piki Oranga provides the space, kai, resources and facilitators for each fortnightly Pēpi Pākohe session. We lead karakia, waiata and whakawhānaungatanga, and whānau share pānui and mātauranga.

In one rōpū session we learned to make poi and sing ‘E Rere Taku Poi’. Plans for future Pēpi Pākohe sessions include CPR training, sharing local iwi pūrākau and mahi toi. Watch this space…Mātakitaki mai e te whānau!

Tūpuna Parenting

The Tamariki Ora team completed the ‘Tūpuna Parenting’ course this year, via online study and culminating in a two-day noho at Takahanga Marae in Kaikōura.

Tūpuna parenting looks at the parenting practices of our tūpuna and mātauranga in use before colonisation. We learned that we are ‘Born Tapu and all Born with Mana’. Our team felt empowered and ready to share this mātauranga with whānau, to uplift them and enhance positive practices already taking place in their whare.

By Marissa Pou - Kano Kano Kaituitui, Te Puāwai he Kākano

Melissa Pou with pēpi, Jacob, during a home visit with māmā Regina.

Taking the stress out of immunisation for whānau

Te Puāwai he Kākano offers immunisation (vaccination) for hapū māmā, pepi and tamariki and other whānau.

Through immunising against viruses like influenza and diseases such as measles, we can provide the greatest protection for pēpi, tamariki, their whānau and hāpori.

We are proud to offer in-home immunisation services for whānau where they feel safe, less pressured and where there is time to kōrero. We build whanaungatanga as pēpi grows and is due their next immunisation, and we provide catch-up immunisation for tamariki (such as immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella).

Whānau are grateful that we come to their whare, taking the hassle out of the process, and offering a friendly service if they are not able to see their regular GP. Being at home means a remarkable decrease in crying and unsettledness for pēpi after vaccination.

This is important because when whānau have had a positive experience they are more likely to continue with the immunisation schedule, or ask for a catch-up vaccine they have missed earlier for a variety of reasons.

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