Growing up

In 2009, Tui Ora put renewed focus on developing greater clinical leadership, delivering value for money and improving the quality of our services. An organisational change programme to support these goals resulted in almost all service providers being successfully consolidated within Tui Ora. At the same time, Tui Ora rationalised a number of programmes and services, contracting some services to other providers.

In August 2012 Te Kawau Mārō alliance was created, and holds the single contract for Māori health services in Taranaki. As part of the alliance, Tui Ora works with South Taranaki iwi Ngā Ruāhine and Ngāti Ruanui and Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand Taranaki to lift health outcomes for our local communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic the grassroots vaccination campaign run by Te Kawau Mārō saw Taranaki vaccination rates for Māori exceed our ambitious 90 percent target — potentially saving hundreds of lives.

In 2013 we adopted our current ownership model. Tui Ora is owned by a single shareholder — Te Tuituia Trust. Trustees are appointed by Te Whare Pūnanga Kōrero – the representative body of the eight Taranaki iwi: Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga, Te Atiawa, Ngāti Maru, Taranaki, Ngā Ruahine, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngā Rauru. Our board of directors has oversight of Tui Ora and reports to the trustees.

Our 2040 vision

In 2022 Tui Ora developed the current Toka Te Manawa Ora strategic plan. This aspirational and practical document lays out our roadmap to 2040, with key long-term outcomes across five themes.

Mana whānau — Whānau are self-determining
We empower and enable Taranaki whānau to drive their hauora journey.

Mahi tautoko — Whānau-centred care
We use Māori knowledge and models of care to deliver the services Taranaki whānau need and want.

Mahi ngātahi  —Strong partnerships and collaboration
We have strong relationships with our partners and collaborate to deliver services that Taranaki whānau need and want.

Mana Kaimahi — Empowered staff
We empower our kaimahi with the right skills, capabilities and cultural competencies to best serve our Taranaki whānau.

Mahi Tika — Organisational excellence
We do what we say, have strong processes, and make evidence informed decisions to serve our Taranaki whānau.

Passing the kaupapa forward

2023 was a significant year for Tui Ora on many fronts. After 25 years, our founding CE Hayden Wano passed the leadership of Tui Ora on to our current Pou Tu Kurae, Alana Ruakere (Te Atiawa, Taranaki). Known for her abundant aspirations, strategic determination and seemingly boundless manaakitanga, Alana is supported by an Executive Leadership Team and a cross-organisational senior leadership team. Tui Ora has more than 200 dedicated kaimahi.

Our owners and directors

Our Pou Tu Kura Alana Ruakere and her team report to our Board of Directors. The board has oversight of Tui Ora and reports to our single shareholder, Te Tuituia Trust. The Trust is governed by a Board appointed by Te Whare Punanga Korero Trust (TWPK), the representative body of the eight Iwi of Taranaki in matter of hauora and their goals (below) align with our kaupapa:

PMO and Innovation

In 2023, Tui Ora set up our own Project Management Office (PMO), supported with a $1.8 million Toi Foundation grant to establish and operate for two years. The PMO drives the implementation of our strategy to 2040, Toka Te Manawa Ora, through a programme of work to enable holistic hauora for whānau Māori.

Through the PMO, our Innovation Team brings great ideas into being, guided by whānau and kaimahi voice. Last year we successfully launched Tui Ora’s Mākona kawhe cart.  Mākona, meaning ‘quenched’ or ‘satisfied’ in te reo Māori, goes beyond the simple act of making great coffee – it encompasses the principles of whānau ora.  It recognises that coffee can serve as a catalyst for fostering social connections, preparing taiohi for the workforce, and creating a space where people can gather and strengthen relationships.  By providing resources and guidance, the programme empowers taiohi to develop their professional abilities, acquire new skills enhancing their employability and opening doors to new opportunities.

Te Whaitua Whānau opening

In October 2023 Tui Ora opened Te Whaitua Whānau – a safe space where whānau can drop in and connect with us. A comfortable lounge, with an adjacent kitchenette for whānau use, fosters kōrero. Private rooms are available for personal and confidential conversations between our kaimahi and whānau. There is also a dedicated Rongoā space where whānau can receive mirimiri and kawe. The opening also celebrated our new brand identity with a new logo, vibrant colours and culturally significant patterns that signify our vision, mission and values. Read more about our new brand on the colourful tiles below.