Veterans’ Affairs is collaborating with Te Puna Ora o Mataatua, the third-largest Māori hauora provider, to enhance services for those who served Aotearoa in conflicts before 1974.
Last week, Veterans Minister Chris Penk announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to share data between the organisations. This partnership aims to improve referrals, promote services, and increase understanding of the health conditions affecting veterans in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Chief Relations Officer at Te Puna Ora o Mataatua, Frances Te Kani, says the Eastern Bay of Plenty faces significant geographic and demographic challenges, including rural transportation and language barriers.
As a hauora Māori organisation, they can provide far-reaching services with their mobile clinics.
She says by working alongside RSAs in their rohe, they hope to improve enrolments for veterans, many of whom are elderly and struggle to access these services.
“Eyesight, for some of them, is failing them, and so too for our Tūhoe veterans whose first language isn’t English. So there’s a real need for that advocacy to ensure that we’re providing a one-stop shop for them in their hapori so there’s no need to travel and ensuring that they’re receiving the entitlement that they deserve,” says Te Kani.
Frances Te Kani says with most of these veterans now in their 70s and 80s, time is of the essence to deliver these essential services.
