Whānau Ora puts whānau and families at the centre of the services and supports they need, to build on their strengths and achieve their aspirations. The Whānau Ora kaupapa has, over the last decade, delivered positive results for whānau across Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Te Puni Kōkiri is currently running a competitive procurement process to identify, select and engage Commissioning Agencies for the future delivery of Whānau Ora Commissioning Services.

This next stage will strengthen the existing foundations and support the shift of Whānau Ora into a widespread public service delivery model, designed to improve outcomes.

While the seven core elements of Whānau Ora, as articulated in the Whānau Ora Outcomes Framework, remain fundamental to achieving whānau wellbeing, five key shifts are being sought through this procurement process:

1. Greater service reach across Aotearoa, New Zealand, particularly to populations most in need:
   • an updated regional funding allocation model, with increased funding to front-line delivery
   • a greater spread, reach and number of Navigator services.
2. Strengthened evidence base, leading to broader adoption of Whānau Ora as a service delivery model:
   • anonymised Whānau Ora data will be linked to the Stats NZ Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) database
   • national consistency across impact and measurement frameworks.
3. Data-driven investment planning:
   • introducing a data-driven approach to strategic and investment planning, with a focus on government targets and alignment with the emerging Social Investment Approach
   • an updated funding model will ensure resource is channelled to where it is needed most, based on Stats NZ deprivation index
   • the introduction of Investment Boards to better ensure localised representative input will drive investment decisions
4. Improved frontline workforce development and retention
   • Commissioning Agencies and service provider networks will develop and deliver regional workforce development plans, ensuring that Navigators can meet the diverse needs of communities
   • incentivising workforce remuneration is in line with pay equity guidance.
5. Strengthened risk management processes
   • enhanced data accuracy, traceability and reporting will support the early identification of risks to ensure timely interventions for vulnerable whānau.

New Whānau Ora Commissioning services will be in place with the selected Commissioning Agencies from 1 July 2025. Te Puni Kōkiri will work with Commissioning Agencies during the transition period to ensure minimal disruption to whānau and service providers.