23 Sep Strengthening Health Outcomes for Māori and Pasifika Communities with the Healthier Lives Project

To enhance health services for Māori and Pasifika communities, Toi Tangata has been partnering with the University of Waikato and the South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services Trust (SWIPCS) to test the formation of a national health implementation network. The network brings together diverse health services to create a more cohesive and effective support system.

Over the past few years, Toi Tangata has been working to expand its research partnership capabilities. This effort is part of a broader mission to increase the knowledge case around effective physical activity and nutrition for whānau.

The past year marked the completion of Phase Three of the research project, which focused on recruiting hauora Māori providers to implement health programmes of their choice from the network. Two providers stepped up to the challenge, each tailroing their projects to meet the needs of their communities.

Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa launched Te Arawa Haka Ora (TAHO), a kaupapa designed to support kaihaka preparing for the Te Arawa Haka Regionals. For 12 weeks, kaihaka from various kapa in Rotorua were subsidised to attend local gym facilities, helping them enhance their physical readiness for the competition.

Te Hiku Hauora in Kaitaia focused on māma looking to improve their relationship with physical activity. Their kaupapa provided a safe and supportive environment for postnatal māma to return to exercise.

Healthier Lives is one of the National Sciences Challenges, funded to address significant issues in health, science, and technology. This initiative is dedicated to tackling major health challenges through research and innovation.

Through these partnerships and intiatives, Toi Tangata continues to make strides in promoting health and well-being, ensuring that the benefits of research and innovation reach those who need them most.