Annual Māori public health hui to focus on whakapapa at Matariki

Tomorrow is the regional Hāpai Te Hauora hui-a-tau where kaimahi and invited guests share knowledge and insights about the health of whānau, hapū and iwi in Tāmaki Makaurau.

'Matariki, te tātai tiaki whakapapa'

(Matariki, the constellation that ensures the ongoing protection of our genealogy)

Hāpai Te Hauora holds the hui-a-tau at Matariki because it is the most appropriate time in Te Ao Māori to reflect on knowledge gained and plan for the future. Health and wellbeing have always been central to the celebration of Matariki in pre-colonial Aotearoa.

The whānau whānui collective, comprised of kaimahi from Hāpai's owner organisations Te Runanga o Ngāti Whatua, Raukura Hauora o Tainui and Te Whānau o Waipareira will host the event and run workshops highlighting success stories and knowledge gained from their work throughout the year in gambling harm prevention, tobacco control advocacy, alcohol and other drug harm prevention and nutrition and physical activity.

Māori lawyer Kingi Snelger will provide the keynote address on reflections on the criminal justice system and its similarities with the health system. This kaupapa is a very relevant and topical korero which aligns with a number of issues we deal with in Māori Public Health and how public policy needs to recognise the difference in a health versus a justice approach to areas such as mental health and addiction, and equitable outcomes for Māori.

This is an open event, with all welcome to attend.

Where: Ruapotaka Marae, 106 Line Road, Glen Innes

When: Thursday 21 June, 10am - 2pm

More details here:  http://www.hapai.co.nz/content/whanau-whanui-hui-a-tau-2018