National Hauora Coalition signs MoU with Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand to deliver equity for whānau

National Hauora Coalition (NHC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand (SANZ) with the shared commitment of working together to reduce strokes, improve recovery outcomes, and save lives.

The agreement establishes a collaborative relationship between NHC and SANZ, who together will strive to prevent strokes through targeted health promotion.

The partnership will also see the development of improved recovery outcomes for whānau affected by stroke, and apply an equity lens to address disparities in stroke prevention and care.

NHC Chief Executive Dr. Rachel Brown (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri, Kāi Tahu, Tuahiwi, Kāti Māmoe) says both organisations are committed to the shared aspiration of NHC’s moemoeā: Mana Whānau, Whānau Ora—prosperous families living well.

“To deliver equitable outcomes for whānau, services must be equitable by design. This MoU with Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand is a vital starting point for us to work collaboratively in addressing the inequities that exist for our Māori and Pasifi ka whānau when it comes to stroke.”

Stroke is a growing crisis in Aotearoa, occurring every 55 minutes and disproportionately affecting Māori communities. Māori experience strokes at a younger age and face greater challenges in accessing effective, culturally appropriate care.

As the national charity for stroke survivors, Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand CEO, Jo Lambert says they are uniquely positioned to lead the fi ght against stroke.

“We can only fulfi ll our mission of preventing strokes, improving outcomes and saving lives through meaningful partnerships with organisations that are deeply embedded in the communities we both serve. This MoU with National Hauora Coalition will create a step change in impact where need is highest, and we are excited about the journey we will be sharing to support prosperous families living well.”

Aligned with their efforts to deliver culturally safe and effective care, NHC and SANZ will jointly advocate for funding and programmes that will prevent stroke and improve outcomes, and ensure whānau voice is centred in the design of services.

The MoU will remain in effect for two years.