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.
