Matariki marks a time to reflect on the past, honour those who have passed, and set intentions for the year ahead. It is also a time to reset our focus on hauora—not just physical health, but the wellbeing of whānau, wairua, hinengaro and whenua.
Within this, rongoā Māori—our traditional healing practices—remind us of the deep connection between people, land, and wellbeing. As Matariki rises, we are called to uphold mātauranga Māori in the health system, to restore balance, and to support pathways of healing that reflect our own values and tikanga.
At Te Kāhui Hauora, this season renews our commitment to equity, to listening to whānau, and to advocating for a system that nourishes the mauri of our people.
It was a beautiful weekend here in Te Tauihu as whānau and communities from Mohua to Wairau came together to celebrate Matariki. After a rough year politically, it was heartening to see so many from our communities wholeheartedly embracing Matariki, eager to learn and support.
Hundreds turned out for a public hautapu ceremony hosted by Rangitāne o Wairau, while in Whakatū, thousands attended the regional secondary school kapa haka competition, Taku Kara Tīpuna, at the Trafalgar Centre, and thousands more joined later in the day for Te Huihui-o-Matariki 2025. The Matariki event at Waikawa Marae was another chance for the community to come together and the hautapu ceremony at Wairau Pā hosted by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua was also a beautiful occasion.
For Te Kāhui Hauora, the year ahead brings further change as we await to hear more about the Coalition Government’s proposed changes to the Pae Ora Act (2022), under which Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards were established.
Earlier this year, we farewelled Pouwhakahaere Patricia Joseph as well as board members Patrick Smith and Vicky Thorn. We thank them for all their mahi in mapping out a path forward for Te Kāhui Hauora.
As we continue work to achieve better hauora outcomes for whānau Māori in Te Tauihu, please feel free to get in touch and keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities to make your voice heard on our local health system.
Ngā mihi nui o te Tau Hou Māori.
Naomi Solomon
Pouwhakahaere Chief Executive Officer (Interim)