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).
