A visit to a kaupapa Māori maternal wellbeing initiative in Whanganui is helping spark new thinking about how communities can strengthen support for hapū māmā, pēpi and whānau in Rotorua.
The early months of life are a critical time for wellbeing. The support that māmā and pēpi receive during pregnancy and the first years of life can shape health, connection and whānau wellbeing for generations. Across the Healthy Families NZ movement, communities are exploring ways to strengthen this important stage of life.
Healthy Families Rotorua systems innovator Stevee Wikiriwhi travelled to Whanganui last week to connect with the team behind Te Whare Piringa, a kaupapa Māori initiative that supports maternal wellbeing through culture, connection and community.
The visit forms part of Healthy Families Rotorua’s Hapū Māmā & Pēpi kaupapa, which is exploring maternal wellbeing and the wider support systems around māmā, pēpi and whānau. As the team begins to shape local prototypes, connecting with communities already doing this work is helping build insight into what makes a meaningful difference for whānau.
“What really stood out was how everything is centred around māmā and their pēpi,” Stevee said. “The way they bring culture, community and care together creates a space where whānau feel comfortable, supported and connected.”
During the visit, Stevee spent time with colleagues from Healthy Families Whanganui-Rangitīkei-Ruapehu and Child Health & Wellbeing lead systems innovator Kylee Osborne, learning more about how the kaupapa behind Te Whare Piringa has grown alongside the needs of the community.
“They talked me through how the kaupapa started and how they’ve built a space where māmā feel safe, supported and connected. It was really powerful to hear about the journey they’ve been on and how the initiative has developed in response to what whānau need,” she said.
For Stevee, the experience reinforced the value of sharing learning across the Healthy Families movement.
“Spending time together kanohi ki te kanohi makes a real difference. Being able to see the kaupapa in action and hear their journey helps us think about what might work for our own community.
“Seeing how Te Whare Piringa has grown out of what whānau need is really inspiring. It shows the power of communities coming together to support māmā and pēpi in ways that truly work for them,” says Stevee.
As Healthy Families Rotorua continues its Hapū Māmā kaupapa, the insights from Whanganui will help inform how local partners, whānau and communities shape approaches that strengthen wellbeing for māmā, pēpi and whānau.
