Kaupapa Māori charity wins Supreme Business Award

The Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards have been connecting and championing local business in Marlborough for more than 20 years. We are thrilled to announce that Manu Ora is the recipient of ‘New and Emerging Business’, ‘Community Impact Award’ and the prestigious ‘Supreme Business Award’ for 2023.

Manu Ora Director and GP, Dr Sara Simmons, says the entire team is humbled by the results. “This recognition shines a light on health equity, and particularly Māori health equity. We are incredibly honoured to be acknowledged for our mahi and would like to thank all those who have supported our innovation and commitment to do things differently, since Manu Ora was founded in 2021”.

Manu Ora Director and GP, Dr Rachel Inder, says, “It was a leap of faith to establish a different kind of practice that focuses on achieving health equity in meaningful ways. We are grateful to Te Piki Oranga for their partnership, and for the founding contributions from Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough, Marlborough Primary Health Organisation, Rātā Foundation, Rangitāne o Wairau, Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, and The Care Foundation who supported our vision. We are so pleased to have this recognition for their commitment to our kaupapa right from the outset.”

“We see this acknowledgement as another indicator of the difference that can be made to the hauora (wellbeing) of our whānau. It has been a busy two years for us, and there is still so much to do” says Dr Simmons. “We are excited to have recently secured some funding from Te Aka Whai Ora for further innovations which will really benefit our whānau” she says.

“Following a successful independent evaluation by Sapere Research Group (Wellington) in 2022, these awards are a huge bonus and further validation of the direction health needs to travel” says Dr Inder.
“Thanks to our amazing kaimahi and community, Manu Ora is really flourishing”.

About Manu Ora
Established in 2021 by Wairau locals Dr Rachel Inder and Dr Sara Simmons (Ngāi Tahu), in partnership with Te Piki Oranga, Manu Ora is a medical centre with a difference. Manu Ora is a kaupapa Māori charity set up to offer low or no-cost healthcare in a more flexible, culturally safe, and whānau-centred way. Our caring and experienced rōpū are committed to offering a service that meets the needs of our whānau, ensuring we reduce inequities in access to healthcare and improve health outcomes for Māori in Wairau.

‘Manu Ora’ refers to the bird taking flight, having achieved hauora. Together, we take flight.