February 25, 2026

#hauora: Hāpai te Hauora Celebrates Three Decades of Māori-Led Public Health Impact

Matthew Tukaki Posted On February 25, 2026

Auckland-based health organisation Hāpai te Hauora has marked 30 years of Māori-led leadership in public health, celebrating its long-standing contribution to improving health outcomes for whānau and communities across Aotearoa.

Founded in 1996, Hāpai te Hauora has grown into a nationally recognised provider of health promotion, community development and research initiatives grounded in kaupapa Māori principles. Over three decades the organisation has focused on addressing inequities in health and wellbeing, advocating for Māori health advancement and delivering programmes shaped by the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves.

The 30-year milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on a legacy of strengthening hauora through culturally anchored approaches that prioritise te ao Māori perspectives. Hāpai te Hauora’s work spans a range of public health challenges, with a strong emphasis on empowering community-led solutions and nurturing Māori workforce capability in health and wellbeing sectors.

The organisation’s leadership has played a key role in shaping policy and practice, both regionally and nationally, with initiatives designed to reduce health disparities and support whānau in achieving sustainable wellbeing. Over the years Hāpai te Hauora has partnered with iwi, hapū, health providers and academic researchers to co-design interventions that reflect the lived realities of Māori communities, while strengthening collective capacity to address long-term health challenges.

Celebrations of the 30-year anniversary acknowledge the contributions of numerous colleagues, partners and community champions who have worked alongside Hāpai te Hauora to advance equitable health outcomes. Reflecting its commitment to intergenerational wellbeing, the organisation highlights the importance of nurturing future leaders and continuing to embed mātauranga Māori in public health practice.

As Hāpai te Hauora enters its fourth decade, the focus remains on building on past achievements while responding to evolving health priorities. The organisation continues to advocate for transformational change that supports whānau aspirations, reduces systemic barriers to equitable health access, and amplifies Māori voices in decision-making arenas that shape public health strategies across Aotearoa.