Manifesto

Rangatira from across Aotearoa came together recently, joining the Hauora Iwi Leaders Group (ILG) of the National Iwi Chairs Forum alongside Iwi Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs), with a shared focus on strengthening hauora outcomes for whānau.

The hui forms part of ongoing work to shape a collective “manifesto” to present to the coalition government. Lauren James attended alongside our Deputy Chair Jenny Kaka-Scott, bringing the voice of Te Taura Ora o Waiariki into the national kōrero.

“There’s a real sense that we are ready to move together, to align our whakaaro and turn that into clear, practical steps that make a difference for whānau,” Lauren James said.

The hui was convened by Hauora ILG leaders Dame Naida Glavish, Rahui Papa, and Tereki Stewart, with facilitation support from Janell Dymus-Kurei. From the outset, the focus was clear. Strengthen relationships and work in closer alignment to drive collective action.

The purpose of the hui was to focus on what is needed to ensure health services are easier to access, more effective, and grounded in tikanga Māori. Lauren James said this kind of alignment is exactly what whānau need.

“When we work together like this, we can remove the barriers our whānau face and build services that actually fit our lives, our realities, and our aspirations,” she said.

Māori-led innovation was front and centre throughout the kōrero. The example of the Taakiri Tuu wellness and diagnostic centre in Kirikiriroa sparked discussion about what is possible when services are designed and delivered by Māori, for Māori.

“When Māori lead, we see services that truly reflect our values, where whānau are respected, supported, and able to thrive. That’s what we need to grow,” Lauren said.

Alongside these examples, the hui moved into deeper system-level conversations, including the role and authority of Iwi Māori Partnership Boards. There was strong agreement that IMPBs must be empowered with both statutory authority and sustainable funding to lead and oversee hauora delivery.

“Policy must ensure that the boards are not merely advisory, but possess the statutory authority and sustainable funding to co-commission services and provide oversight of health delivery.”

Te Tiriti o Waitangi remained a central thread, reinforcing iwi relationships with the Crown and the need to uphold those obligations across the health system. Māori data sovereignty was also a key focus, with strong recognition that data is a taonga.

“Health data is a taonga under Article Two of Te Tiriti. Policy must reflect that Māori have the right to govern, manage and protect our own data, ensuring it is used ethically and for the benefit of our people,” Lauren James said.

She said these conversations are critical to achieving long-term, transformational change.

“This is about rangatiratanga and making sure Māori have the authority, the resources, and the information to make the best decisions for our whānau.”

There was also strong support for speaking with one voice across the system, like the development of the shared manifesto to present clear and unified positions to government. As Janell Dymus-Kurei noted, this is the beginning of an ongoing journey, with whakaaro continuing to evolve.

As the hui came to a close, there was a strong sense of momentum and collective commitment in the room.

“There’s a real sense of ‘doey’ that willingness to come together, back each other, and take action. That’s what will carry this forward for our whānau,” Lauren said.

More than alignment, this hui signalled a shared commitment to building a hauora system where whānau voices are heard, valued, and placed firmly at the centre.