Hokianga descendents of Tipara and Keita Wynyard are united in a strategy to become a more cohesive, healthy and prosperous whānau.

Thanks to the Whānau Integration, Innovation and Engagement (WIIE) Fund, the Wynyard family have developed a ‘whānau plan’ which records their aspirations and needs – and how those goals may be achieved.

Project co-ordinator Sharon Donaldson says the process allowed four generations to revisit their Hokianga homeland which was a perfect setting to focus on such an important kaupapa.

With descendents scattered throughout the motu, Sharon says the whānau plan includes goals to help them stay connected.

Other low and no-cost goals involve healthy lifestyle courses and age-related checks, better financial management skills and more support for younger whānau members still at school.

“We identified our expression of Whānau Ora, discussed our strengths and confirmed what values are important to us as whānau.

“These include whanaungatanga – by ensuring Nan down to our youngest pëpi are safe, cared for and know our wider whānau and whenua; aha hinengaro – keeping our minds active through education, reading and lots of life experiences; and whakapono – being good people and remembering that we represent our whānau even when we are not together.”