Insights From Rawiri Bhana on Te Arawa Hauora Data Stories
Te Hiku Radio Interview
I te ata nei kōrero tahi ai mātou ki a Rawiri Bhana e pā ana ki ngā “Te Arawa hauora data stories”, me ngā hua o tēnei mō te iwi o Te Arawa. Anei āna kōrero.
[This morning we had a conversation with Rawiri Bhana about the “Te Arawa hauora data stories” and the benefits of this for the Te Arawa people. Here is what he said.]
Original Article: https://tehiku.nz/te-hiku-radio/kuaka-marangaranga/53517/insights-from-rawiri-bhana-on-te-arawa-hauora-data-stories
Enabling Te Arawa Hauora Data Stories
The hauora data stories of Iwi-Māori whānau living in Rotorua can soon be told by Te Arawa.
Te Taura Ora o Waiariki – Te Arawa Iwi Māori Partnership Board (IMPB) and PHO, Rotorua Area Primary Health Services (RAPHS), have signed a data sharing agreement supporting Te Arawa whānau access to Māori health data and collection.
Enabling autonomy and transparent analysis of Māori health data can assist IMPBs nationally to selfdetermine priorities and monitor health sector performance for enhancing hauora Māori.
Over several months, RAPHS worked in partnership with Te Taura Ora o Waiariki to unravel technical and health system knots that historically prevented secure and specific data sharing. The relationship between RAPHS and Te Taura Ora o Waiariki is enduring. For RAPHS, the agreement reinforces their values of He Ora Whakapiri (Together, we make it better) and the commitment to improve health system outcomes and equity.
“Health data is a taonga, it is whakapapa, holding the genetic journey and experiences of whānau. For RAPHS, the data sharing agreement respects this taonga and is another step toward tino rangatiratanga by enabling data sovereignty for iwi Māori.” – RAPHS CEO, Kirsten Stone
The arrangement empowers Taura Ora o Waiariki to have confidential access to Māori health data that has been compiled and made anonymous. This means personal information such as a person’s name, date of birth, or address won’t be seen and individuals can’t be identified. Data will be
retrieved, analysed, and monitored to inform hauora Māori strategy and outcomes.
“Having access to accurate and timely local data is a game changer for Te Taura Ora o Waiariki. Our agreement with RAPHS will help us to identify and advocate for key changes to policy, service provision, and the funding mechanisms needed to improve quality and access to healthcare for Māori.
Coupled with what whānau are telling us, we can build a clearer picture of where best to concentrate our efforts – having data means we can work smarter” – Te Taura Ora o Waiariki GM, Aroha Dorset
Job Vacancy - Pou Oranga
Pou Oranga, Te Taura Ora o Waiariki – Rotorua
About Te Taura Ora o Waiariki
Te Taura Ora ō Waiariki is the legislated Te Arawa Iwi Māori Partnership Board for Rotorua and surrounding areas. Established in the Pae Ora Act (2022), the organisation represents local Māori perspectives on health needs and aspirations, monitors health sector performance, and influences the design and delivery of health services to Te Arawa. Through their work, they seek to improve hauora outcomes and ensure the voice and aspirations of Te Arawa are realised.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of Māori health. You will work in a supportive and whānau-oriented environment where your knowledge and voice are respected, and your work will have lasting influence.
We’re seeking a strategic and politically astute health leader to help drive meaningful change for Māori health and wellbeing in the Te Arawa region. As a Health Sector Expert, you’ll work closely with the Tumu Whakarae and the Iwi Māori Partnership Board to influence the health system, advocate for better outcomes, and lead future-focused solutions.
This is a unique opportunity for someone who understands the health system levers to improve Māori wellbeing. You won’t be doing this alone – you’ll be part of a supportive, passionate team committed to transformative change.
Ngā Haepapa Matua | Key Responsibilities include
- Advocate for Te Arawa wellbeing
- Strategic analysis of Māori health trends
- Monitor performance of health system and initiatives
- Identify and grow opportunities for health improvement
- Build Hauora Relationships
- Support the Tumu Whakarae
- Provide advice and support to the Board
- Demonstrated health sector expertise (7+ years) with thorough understanding of Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Health and the Maori Health sector
- Proven track record of influencing Māori health outcomes
- Strong Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge with practical application in Hauora
- Current understanding of political and fiscal landscape
- Experience in health monitoring, policy setting and delivering strategic work packages
- Strategic thinker with exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
- Politically astute with ability to influence constructively and identify growth opportunities
Me pēhea te tono | How to Apply
If you are passionate about improving hauora outcomes and ready to join an organisation committed to representing the voice and aspirations of Te Arawa, we would love to hear from you!
Te Taura Ora o Waiariki offers a collaborative team culture alongside competitive remuneration and a flexible / supportive work environment focused on making a difference.
Apply Here
Our Submission to the Draft Rotorua Local Alcohol Policy 2025
We recently submitted feedback to the Rotorua Lakes Council on the Draft Local Alcohol Policy 2025. Our submission, reflects our ongoing commitment to whānau wellbeing and harm reduction. We support evidence-based measures that prioritise community safety, limit alcohol-related harm, and uphold the mana of our people and places. See our submission below: