After Health NZ Data & Digital Cuts, Te Arawa IMPB Invests in New Data Platform & Capability
Te Taura Ora o Waiariki, Iwi Māori Partnership Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Urukahinga Rei (Ngāti Whakaue, Tūhourangi) as Kaitātari, a role dedicated to strengthening data capability and ensuring Te Arawa whānau voices are paired with robust evidence to support better health outcomes.
“This appointment of Urukahinga reflects Te Arawa’s commitment to actioning Waitangi Tribunal findings in the historic Hauora Report, which made clear that Māori must lead the design and governance of our own health data to achieve equity,” says Hingatu Thompson, Chair of Te Taura Ora o Waiariki IMPB.
“The skills of Urukahinga in data analysis, research, and iwi engagement, alongside her deep grounding in Te Ao Māori, will ensure our work is driven by evidence that reflects the realities and aspirations of our Te Arawa whānau. Her role strengthens our capacity to deliver monitoring, reporting, and advocacy that is both data-informed and whānau-centred.”
As Kaitātari, Urukahinga will identify, describe, and map key datasets relevant to whānau hauora, while also supporting the team with project administration. Her work will be central to developing a data platform that upholds Māori data sovereignty principles and reflects Te Arawa aspirations for wellbeing.
A Raukuratanga of kōhanga reo and kura kaupapa Māori, Urukahinga brings both cultural depth and technical skill to the role. She has built a strong foundation in Māori data and research through her recent mahi with Te Kāhui Raraunga, where she developed an iwi data framework and profile, and with Te Akatea – Māori Principals Association, where she produced regional data analysis for Māori principals.
Her experience extends to working with the Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, and the National Hauora Coalition, where she supported Māori health initiatives and contributed to iwi education portfolios and research projects.
Currently completing a Bachelor of Māori Law and Philosophy at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Urukahinga combines academic study with practical expertise in data analysis, research, and kaupapa Māori approaches.
Urukahinga is deeply motivated by the opportunity to contribute to iwi-led health solutions, weaving together her passion for kaupapa Māori research and data with a steadfast commitment to advancing the wellbeing of Te Arawa whānau. Her appointment signals a step forward in ensuring that evidence is not only rigorous but also reflective of Te Arawa values, realities, and aspirations.
“Guided by the principles of Māori Data Sovereignty championed by Te Mana Raraunga, this role strengthens the capacity of Te Arawa to protect and harness our own information in ways that empower whānau and support equitable health outcomes,” says Hingatu Thompson.
“All at a time when Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has disestablished or redeployed more than 1,800 data and digital roles nationally, this investment shows our determination to prioritise Māori-led data solutions and safeguard iwi voices in the health system.”
Media Liaison: Sarah Sparks Email: Sarah.sparks@sparksconsulting.co.nz Mobile: 021318813
Te Pākira Hauora Clinic
In early 2025, Te Pākira hosted its very first hauora clinic, supported by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao, and the response from whānau was incredible.
Māori health front and centre from cancers to overall hauora
Waatea News Radio Interview
Rawiri Bhana is a strategic leader with Te Taura Ora o Waiariki, bringing deep expertise in Māori governance, tikanga, and land development to advance iwi aspirations across the Te Arawa rohe. As Aotearoa faces deepening health inequalities and the ongoing fallout from the disestablishment of the Māori Health Authority (Te Aka Whai Ora), Māori-led health solutions are proving to be not just necessary-but transformative. Grounded in whakapapa, wairua, and whānau-centred care, iwi, hapū, and Māori providers across the motu are building a parallel system of care designed by Māori, for Māori.
Despite decades of health reform, Māori continue to experience:
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A 7-year life expectancy gap compared to non-Māori
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Higher rates of preventable diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease
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Barriers to accessing care, including institutional racism, cost, and cultural disconnection
These disparities have led to a rising demand for Māori-led responses that prioritise mana motuhake-self-determination-and reflect a holistic view of health grounded in te ao Māori.
Original Article Source: https://waateanews.com/2025/07/08/ata-tu-rawiri-bhana/
Monitoring Report #1
Under Section 30(1) of the Pae Ora Act 2022, Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs) are tasked with monitoring the performance of the health sector within their rohe. These quarterly monitoring reports represent Te Taura Ora o Waiariki’s commitment to that role – ensuring accountability, equity, and tangata whenua perspectives are embedded in the health system.
This first report outlines the foundations of our monitoring approach:
- How we define the health sector in a Waiariki context
- The phased introduction of our monitoring work
- The performance indicators we have selected
- And the results of monitoring for the most recent quarter
These reports are a key tool in our ongoing mahi to strengthen whānau wellbeing, highlight disparities, and guide transformation through a kaupapa Māori lens. As the reporting series continues, we will build on these insights to ensure that the voices of our people are not only heard – but drive real change.
To download the PDF, click on the three dots ⋯ and select “Download PDF File.”