Māori-owned technology company Kiwa Digital is branching into the health sector.

Managing director Steven Renata says some of the software behind its cultural intelligence apps can be used to produce accessible health resources for whānau.

It’s working with Māori public health agency Hapai Te Hauora on a Health Ministry-funded resource, to share intergenerational knowledge on maternal and child wellbeing.

Hapai chief executive Selah Hart says the Tuku Iho app will help whānau apply mātauranga Māori to the way they live and promote a holistic approach to maternal health and related kaupapa such as safe sleep and the importance of being smokefree.

Kiwa is also producing an app for GP cooperative ProCare, Ihi, to support strategies to reduce inequities and improve health outcomes for Māori.

An existing app to give health professionals, mothers and whānau information about breastfeeding, Mama Aroha, is being enhanced with new tools and its reach extended into Australia.