Last month, Nelson Bays Primary Health hosted Ngā Matapihi o te Wairua, a national forum that brings together Māori leaders from across primary health care to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and collectively advance equitable health outcomes for whānau Māori.
The two-day hui began with a pōwhiri at Whakatū Marae, followed by a thought-provoking discussion on the Nelson Tenths, providing important historical context, and a tour of sites of significance, where attendees heard local kōrero and gained a deeper understanding of the stories, people, and places that have shaped Whakatū.
Day two was dedicated to the work of the forum, with leaders discussing current priorities, emerging opportunities, and the evolving primary health landscape.
Ngā Matapihi o te Wairua is supported by General Practice New Zealand (GPNZ) and includes Māori health leaders from Primary Health Organisations (PHOs), Hauora Māori providers, and Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand. Its purpose is to strengthen Māori leadership in primary care and collectively advocate for better health outcomes for whānau Māori.
The group’s work is guided by values including:
- Tika, pono, aroha (integrity, honesty, compassion)
- Kotahitanga (unity)
- Whanaungatanga (relationships and connectedness)
- Tautoko te tahi ki te tahi (supporting one another)
- Āwhinatia (helping and uplifting others)
Rather than being a conference or one-off event, Ngā Matapihi o te Wairua is an ongoing national network. Members meet regularly for wānanga and hui to discuss Māori health priorities, share innovations, influence policy, and strengthen relationships across the primary health sector.