A national ‘Whānau Champions’ network will advocate and promote Whānau Ora to all New Zealanders.

An initial group of four champions is charged with building support and visibility for the inclusive approach, complementing the work of the Governance Group and Regional Leadership Groups.

They are Piriwiritua (Piri) Rurawhe (Rātana); Charmeyne Te Nana-Williams, director of a home-based rehabilitation and support service; former national basketball player and media personality Brendon Pongia; and Pati Umaga – a Pacific disability advocate.

The Minister for Whānau Ora, Hon Tariana Turia, says the four individuals are respected and influential role models with a range of skills, knowledge and experience.

As well as gathering positive whānau stories of change, the champions will stimulate discussion, build greater understanding and encourage whānau engagement.

“It is now critical to accelerate the gains for whānau and to give effect to the Whānau Ora outcome goals,” says Mrs Turia.

“This includes increasing the understanding of and participation in Whānau Ora by whānau, iwi, public, private, voluntary services and organisations as well as government agencies – and the champions will play a vital role in this new focus.”

Piri says whānau are empowered to dream of a better life and a better future – and the champion’s role will help clear a pathway for this to occur.

“Whānau Ora is not a programme of deliverables determined by a contract, it is a kaupapa determined by whānau. Haere mai e te whānau, rapuhia te oranga o te tīnana, o te wairua o te whānau hoki.”

Charmeyne sees the champion’s role as an extension of their work supporting families with complex disabilities.

“Our challenge is to work alongside organisations, community groups and businesses to imbed the Whānau Ora philosophy into their culture so that it becomes a way of being – then help them to apply that philosophy.”