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June 13, 2025
A new Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency takes shape
Waatea Team
Posted On June 13, 2025
Download AudioA new Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency, Rangitāmiro, has been officially launched to serve Region 1 (Te Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki Makaurau, Waikato, Hauraki, and Tūwharetoa).
Whānau Ora is a unique, Māori-centered approach to health and social services in Aotearoa New Zealand that puts whānau (families) at the centre of decision-making and empowerment. Rather than focusing on individuals and treating isolated problems, Whānau Ora supports collective well-being and long-term transformation. Whānau Ora emerged from Māori aspirations for more control over their own social development and health outcomes. It was formally introduced in 2010 by the Fifth National Government, under the leadership of the Māori Party and its co-leader Hon Tariana Turia, who was then Associate Minister of Health.
The policy built on earlier Māori health models such as Te Whare Tapa Whā (Mason Durie’s holistic health framework) and reflected long-standing calls for a shift from state-led to whānau-led services.
Key Developments
- 2010–2013: Whānau Ora was launched as a cross-government initiative. Government agencies collaborated with Whānau Ora providers-mostly Māori and Pacific NGOs-to deliver services in an integrated, flexible way.
- 2013: An independent Whānau Ora Partnership Group was formed to bring together iwi leaders and government representatives. This group helped guide the strategic direction of the initiative.
- 2014–2015: The delivery model was restructured. Three Whānau Ora commissioning agencies were established:
- Te Pou Matakana (North Island, now Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency),
- Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu (South Island),
- Pasifika Futures (for Pacific communities).
These agencies began funding whānau directly and supporting navigators (kaiārahi) who help whānau create and achieve their own development plans.
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