About us
Ko wai mātou
Te Kāhui Hauora o Te Tauihu | The Wellness Alliance
Our name is not just a label; it is a beacon of unity and shared purpose. It captures the very essence of our eight tangata whenua iwi coming together, weaving the strength and wisdom of whānau, hapū and iwi into a collective effort to nurture the health and well-being of all whānau Māori in Te Tauihu.
Te Kāhui Hauora is a testament to our collaboration and a reminder that when we come together, we can achieve remarkable things.
Our journey, our whakapapa
Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui, the prow of the demigod Māui’s canoe, is a place rich in history, culture, and natural treasures. This northern tip of Te Waipounamu has been a beacon for iwi across many centuries, each leaving an indelible mark on the history and landscape we see and live within today. Across generations, eight iwi proudly uphold the mantle of tangata whenua.
Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne, and Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, descendants of the Kurahaupō waka.
Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Rārua, and Ngāti Toa, who trace their lineage to the Tainui waka.
Ngāti Tama and Te Ātiawa o te Waka-a-Māui, who hail from the Tokomaru waka.
Our eight iwi partner on many key issues, and have for many years, united by a shared vision to support positive outcomes for all whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori in the Te Tauihu rohe across all domains, including health.
Iwi Māori Partnership Boards
Te Kāhui Hauora is one of 11 Iwi Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs) nationwide. IMPBs were established with iwi partners under the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 and have legislative obligations to whānau in the rohe they serve.
IMPBs are empowered by the Pae Ora Act to bring the voices of whānau Māori to the design and delivery of healthcare services, including surfacing issues and inequities.
Te Poari
Our board is made up of experienced and dedicated representatives who guide our organisation with wisdom and integrity on behalf of the eight iwi and mātāwaka in Te Tauihu and in the interests of all whānau Māori in our rohe.
Ngā kaimahi
Naomi Solomon
POUWHAKAHAERE | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (INTERIM)
Naomi is Pouwhakahere (interim) for Te Kāhui Hauora o Te Tauihu, bringing strong leadership in policy, kaupapa Māori, and community development. Raised in Porirua with a deep grounding in iwi life, Naomi is passionate about advancing Māori rights and wellbeing. Naomi has held executive roles at Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and currently serves on the Cawthron Institute Trust Board and Te Āhuru Mōwai. She lives in Wairau and is committed to whānau-led solutions in hauora.
Shayne Wijohn
PRINCIPAL ADVISOR - MONITORING
Ko Whangatauatia te maunga. Ko Kariri Kura te moana. Ko Korou Kore te marae. Ko Tinana te waka. Ko Te Rarawa te Iwi. Shayne has worked in the health sector for over 15 years in various roles spanning governance, strategic development, and project management for both government and non-government organisations. During this time, he has managed a national research investment portfolio, led the establishment of new services across Aotearoa, and overseen significant commissioning programmes.
Our tohu
Our logo is inspired by the koru of a fern and its deep connection to new life and growth. This aligns with our vision of fostering health and vitality within the communities we serve.
At the heart of our logo, the koru, ever-unfolding, represents the pathway towards renewal and wairua, or energy. It is a constant reminder that growth is continuous, and needs consistent effort and care. The colours symbolise the many waterways, oceans and tides that ebb and flow in Te Tauihu. These waters are more than a visual element, they embody the essence of life itself.
Together, the koru and the flowing waters tell a story of strength, hope, resilience, and interconnectedness, symbolising the people connected to the land and the land to them.