Community healthcare heroes honoured at National Hauora Coalition 2024 Mana Whānau, Whānau Ora Tohutanga

Esteemed manuhiri, kaumātua, trustees, and kaimahi from National Hauora Coalition (NHC) came together in Tāmaki Makaurau for the prestigious 2024 Mana Whānau, Whānau Ora Tohutanga on Hātarei, 7 December 2024.

Marking its 11th year, the annual black-tie event served as a celebration of the contributions of the NHC network across Northland, Tāmaki Makaurau, Waikato, Whanganui, Taumarunui and Hauraki.

The awards were an opportunity to thank and acknowledge the many kaiāwhina, nurse practitioners, general practitioners, administrators, social workers, and providers for their exemplary contribution to NHC’s moemoeā: "Mana Whānau, Whānau Ora — prosperous families living well."

“After a challenging year of navigating complexities in primary health care and health reform, and the ever-evolving political landscape, the Mana Whānau, Whānau Ora Tohutanga serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of our people,” says NHC Chief Executive Dr. Rachel Brown(Te Atiawa, Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri, Kāi Tahu, Tuahiwi, Kāti Māmoe) of the evening’s significance.

“The dedicated individuals and rōpū who make up our provider network are what make our coalition so impactful for whānau in the pursuit of equitable outcomes. This evening was an opportunity to recognise their unwavering commitment to their hapori, for us to say thank you for all that they give.”

Hosted by MC PioTerei (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa), the evening saw award-winning writer, photographer, social activist and cultural commentator Qiane Matata-Sipu MNZM (Te Waiohua, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pikiao, Cook Island) deliver an inspiring keynote address to the theme of the indigenous wisdom of Polynesia.

Everyone in attendance was given a copy of Matata-Sipu’s book, NUKU: Stories of 100 Indigenous Women in acknowledgement of their vital contributions this year.

List of winners:

The Whānau Whakaaro Tika| Think Like Whānau Award

Matawhaanui Trust (Raahui Pookeka, Waikato)

The Whānau Whakaaro Tika Award recognises a practice or service provider who
demonstrates that they think like whānau by placing whānau wellbeing at the centre of their work.

The Whānau Auaha|Everyone An Innovator Award

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei (Ōrākei, Tāmaki Makaurau)

The Whānau Auaha Award recognises a practice or service provider who demonstrates the courage to innovate and challenge the status quo and is, therefore, at the cutting edge of social impact.

The Mahia Kia Ea, Kia Toa | A Can Do Attitude Award

Health Through The Marae (Waiuku, Tāmaki Makaurau)

The Mahia Kiaea, Kia Toa Award recognises a practice or service provider who has demonstrated positivity and ambition in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Whānau Whai Hua|Outcomes Matter Award

High needs population: Doctors @ 42 (Raahui Pookeka, Waikato)

Non-high needs populations: Doctors on Luckens (West Harbour, Tāmaki Makaurau)

The Whānau Whai Hua award recognises the highest performing provider against key performance indicators, exceeding expectations and achieving positive outcomes for whānau.

The Quality & Service Excellence Award

Mana Kidz Operational Group (Counties Manukau, Tāmaki Makaurau)

This Award acknowledges a practice or community service provider whose mahi is
consistently exceptional. They may have demonstrated excellent patient safety or delivered outstanding service for whānau and, in doing so, delivered improved outcomes for their hāpori.

The Excellence in Workforce Development Award

Taumarunui Community Kokiri Trust (Taumarunui, Waikato)

Excellence in workforce development is essential for providing high-quality care and services to whānau. A strong, supported, and capable workforce adds exceptional value now and in the future. This includes the ability to invest in and develop clinical leaders and ensure that the workforce has the skills necessary to deliver value in the years to come.

Te Tohu Hautoa | Courageous Leadership Award

Te RoopuWaiora (Manukau, Tāmaki Makaurau)

Te Tohu Hautoarecognises an individual or individuals who have displayed leadership in and commitment to eliminating health and social inequities.

Whānau Ora Champion

Taitimu Maipi, Ramari Maipi, Neil Woodhams ONZM and Tutata Matatahi

The most prestigious award, presented to exceptional individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment to whānau, hapu, iwi, and the community in their lifetime, contributing to a legacy of mana whānau, whānau ora.