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KAHUNGUNU HEALTH AUTHORITY
Quick Background Information
In September 2025, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Chairman Bayden Barber formally announced the establishment of a Kahungunu Health Authority. This was a bold and visionary announcement as a step toward reshaping health outcomes for whānau across the Kahungunu rohe.
The initial wānanga took place on Thursday, 20 November 2025, in Heretaunga at the Toitoi Functions Room, Hastings Street, Hastings. Māori health providers, doctors, all health practitioners, healers, community health workers, professionals, and support groups who carry the voice of whānau and whānau were welcome to attend the wānanga. This gathering was a space for open kōrero, clarification, shared knowledge, and a space to openly discuss honest thoughts about what a Kahungunu Health Authority could look like.
Keynote speakers shared their thoughts and key points that the iwi should consider. A full transcript of notes is available on request. Key messages were shared on our Facebook platforms on the day and are available on this page.
Voices from participants and whānau were collected and collated and are available from this website.
Key Messages
The Vision & Purpose of a Kahungunu Health Authority
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To strengthen Ngāti Kahungunu’s leadership in health.
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To improve access to affordable healthcare.
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To enhance relationships and mahi tahi with providers.
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To ensure services are designed by us, for us, grounded in Kahungunu values, kawa, and tikanga.
Rationale
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Half of our people are currently serviced by non-Māori providers.
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Establishing a Kahungunu Health Authority is about shifting from a Kāwanatanga space (government-led) to a Rangatiratanga space (self-determination).
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Kāwanatanga has a role, but not at the expense of iwi-led authority.
Motions/Actions
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Form a working group to develop a detailed scoping report.
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Report back to Hauora Wānanga #2 in 2026.
Working Group
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To go onto the this group contact the NKII office 0800 524 264 or email panui@kahungunu.iwi.nz
Participants Voice
Padlet Feedback - Click to magnify or click button for print out
SLIDO Feedback - Click on buttons to view
PRIORITIES Feedback from the Priority Boards
SUGGESTIONS - from the whānau voice
The strongest priorities are cultural grounding (tikanga, rongoā, reo), whānau-centred education and empowerment, affordable access to services, and collaborative governance. Infrastructure (hospital, healing centres, shared premises) and research (EMR, iwi-led studies) are also key enablers.
Ngāti Kahungunu and Māori Health Partners Unite to Shape New Iwi Health Authority
March 2026
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII) is pleased to share an important step forward in our collective journey to improve the health and wellbeing of our people. NKII, together with Hauora Māori service providers, our regional Taiwhenua, Post‑Settlement Governance Entities (PSGEs), and the Tihei Takitimu Iwi Māori Partnership Board, have agreed to work together to progress the establishment of the Kahungunu Health Authority (KHA).
Since the initial announcement in September 2025, these groups have been meeting kanohi ki te kanohi to explore how a Kahungunu‑led health authority could operate as an independent body focused on better outcomes for whānau. The intention is not to replace the strong mahi already happening across our region, but to complement it. Existing Māori health entities continue to work within the public health system to influence investment, deliver services, and advocate for equity. The KHA, by contrast, will sit outside that system, giving it the freedom to innovate, partner widely, and mobilise iwi resources in new ways.
NKII Chair Bayden Barber says this dual approach is essential. “The health sector is under real pressure, and our people continue to feel the impact. By standing together with our regional partners, we strengthen our collective voice and our ability to push for meaningful change. NKII will continue to uphold our Treaty and cultural responsibilities, while the KHA brings the technical expertise and independence needed to challenge the system and create better opportunities for our whānau.”
A key part of this development is the formation of a working group made up of twenty‑five whānau members who put their hands up during recent wānanga. Their role is to help shape the early design of the KHA and ensure the kaupapa remains grounded in the aspirations of the people it is intended to serve.
Tihei Takitimu Co‑Chairs Kerri Nuku and Lewis Ratapu say unity is vital in the current environment.
“At a time when Māori rights and interests are being questioned, kotahitanga is our strength. Our role is to ensure the public system lifts its performance, while the KHA explores what’s possible from the outside. Together, we create a productive tension that keeps the system moving forward.”
The next phase of work will focus on developing a governance structure that draws on the deep knowledge of Hauora providers, PSGEs, and iwi leaders. By working together, Kahungunu is positioning itself to shape the future of Māori health on our own terms.
"Primary Care is the Waharoa or the gateway to the New Zealand Health System, so we need effective General Practices delivering assesible and affordable services to our people. Just as importantly, those services must be culturally competent, acknowledging our values and wellness aspirations as Ngāti Kahungunu" - Bayden Barber - Chairman, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.
PICTURES TAKEN AT THE INITIAL KAHUNGUNU HEALTH AUTHORITY WĀNANGA
20 NOVEMBER 2025
