Building the capacity and capability of whānau will be the focus of key Whānau Ora stakeholders during the next phase of implementation.

Community appointees of the Governance Group and the 10 Regional Leadership Groups as well as four Whānau Champions and representatives of 34 provider collectives participated in a planning workshop with the Minister for Whānau Ora, Hon Tariana Turia, in late November.

Minister Turia says their mission was clear – to consolidate and build on the next steps for Whānau Ora.

“I believe that whānau do have the capability and collective capacity to overcome crisis and can and will take responsibility if empowered to do so.

“This new approach is seeing families less reliant on state agencies and agencies acting as a facilitator rather than ‘fixing’ a problem.”

Workshop participants constantly reinforced how important whānau are as a source of strength for the New Zealand economy.

Minister Turia says the collective potential within whānau will bring benefits not only to Māori but also to the nation and to future generations.

“A stronger whānau leads to a stronger community leads to a stronger nation.

“I think it’s really important to remind ourselves that Whānau Ora starts from a position of strength … its intentions were to do all that we can, to ensure whānau can be the best that they can be, to be orientated towards a productive and constructive future.”

Many positive stories about families making progressive changes in their lives were also highlighted throughout the two-day event.

“One family in Taumarunui decided collectively (that) if they all gave up smoking within six years, the money they have saved will be enough to meet their own housing needs.

“There’s nothing quite as powerful as knowing you can determine your own destiny.”