Celebration and reflection on over four years of achievements for the Kāpiti Community Health Network

On Tuesday evening, Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Tū Ora Compass Health, and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, along with partners, celebrated four years of the Kāpiti Community Health Network. The network looks to increase equitable access to healthcare for Kāpiti Coast residents through building local connections and relationships with health providers in the community, primary and secondary care.

The network originated from the Capital and Coast District Health Board Long Term System Plan 2030, published in 2016. Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Tū Ora Compass Health and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora partnered in November 2020 to develop and implement the network.

Governance group Chair and member of Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai trust board Cherie Seamark said, “Being a key partner in this partnership, it has ensured the voices of our community have been at the table when exploring opportunities for improving access to care. The network and its partnerships with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and Tū Ora Compass Health, along with all other partner agencies involved over the years has been pivotal in the network's and our providers' success.”

She added, “It highlights the importance of local models, developed by their community in a way that is responsive to community needs. Although there are many similar challenges and similar models for care that may work in most districts, each area of Aotearoa also faces unique challenges. Delivering our local model in this way ensured we could adapt to the needs of our community, including our geography and community.”

Network Manager Sarah Duncan said, “The network gave us the opportunity to make a really impactful difference for the people of Kāpiti, and the collaboration shows how with the right voices and community at the table, we can make a meaningful change.”

She concluded, “I am proud of all the network has achieved, but a key highlight for me was the work with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Brain Health, and hearing from people who, through this initiative, have received information and support to manage their condition today and plan for the future - whatever that may hold”.

The event featured speeches from Cherie Seamark (Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai Trust Board) (current chair of the network governance group), Justine Thorpe (CEO of Tū Ora Compass Health), and Helen Rigby and Robyn Shearer from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.