Healthy Families Rotorua and Healthy Families Te Ngira came together this week to explore what stronger support for hapū māmā, pēpi and whānau could look like in Rotorua.
The wānanga created space for open and honest kōrero about pregnancy, birth and early parenting, with whakaaro shared around how support for whānau can better reflect Māori values, aspirations and lived experiences.
Healthy Families Rotorua systems innovator Stevee Wikiriwhi says the wānanga captured great discussion around the importance of creating environments where whānau feel safe, welcomed and connected to who they are.
“A lot of the kōrero reflected the importance of spaces where te reo Māori is heard naturally, tikanga is part of everyday practice, and whānau feel supported throughout the whole journey into parenthood,” she says.
“There was also strong discussion around the role whānau play in walking alongside māmā, and the importance of creating support that feels connected, caring and culturally safe from the very beginning.”
Stevee says whakaaro shared throughout the wānanga also touched on kaupapa Māori support, the need for more Māori and reo-speaking midwives, stronger support for pāpā and wider whānau, and care that continues well beyond birth.
“The conversations throughout the day reinforced how important it is to keep listening, building relationships and creating opportunities for whānau-led whakaaro to shape these spaces,” she says.
Healthy Families Te Ngira Rautaki Māori Whitu-Waiariki Ake says the kaupapa allowed space for meaningful conversations about the barriers many whānau still face when trying to access support and services.
“Our kōrero focused on pēpi, māmā and whānau, and how we can strengthen support in ways that uplift and respect our people,” he says.
“We know it can still be difficult for some whānau to access the help and resources they need. What’s important is creating support that feels easier to navigate, more caring, and more connected to the lives our whānau are living.”
Whitu-Waiariki says the relationship between Healthy Families Rotorua and Healthy Families Te Ngira continues to grow through a shared commitment to improving outcomes for whānau.
“It’s always exciting to come together in spaces like this because we’re able to learn from each other, share whakaaro and continue building relationships that can make a real difference for our communities and future generations,” he says.
Stevee says the ongoing support from Healthy Families Te Ngira continues to strengthen the kaupapa and the relationships behind it.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the constant support Healthy Families Te Ngira has shown our team and our whakaaro over time. They were able to dig deep into different areas of need for hapū māmā, and there’s a genuine openness in the way our teams work together. It allows us to have meaningful wānanga that keep whānau at the heart of the conversation,” says Stevee.
