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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.
DEVELOPING A SCOPING REPORT
1. Project Initiation
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Contract a Project Manager – Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated secures a skilled leader to coordinate tasks, manage timelines, and ensure accountability.
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Form a Working Group – representatives from iwi leadership, health professionals, whānau voices, and communications advisors.
2. Planning and Setup
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Define terms of reference for the Working Group (roles, responsibilities, decision-making processes).
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Establish meeting schedule (online hui, milestone reviews).
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Agree on report structure and deliverables.
3. Information Gathering
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Review existing health data, reports, and iwi priorities.
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Map current services and identify gaps.
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Collect community input through surveys, hui, or interviews.
4. Analysis and Scoping
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Identify key health issues affecting Ngāti Kahungunu whānau.
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Assess service gaps, equity challenges, and opportunities.
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Align findings with kaupapa Māori principles and iwi aspirations.
5. Drafting the Report
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Structure around:
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Background & Purpose
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Methodology
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Findings & Issues
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Options & Recommendations
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Next Steps
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Ensure clarity, accessibility, and cultural resonance.
6. Review and Refinement
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Circulate draft to Working Group for feedback.
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Incorporate iwi leadership and whānau perspectives.
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Ensure constitutional and governance alignment.
7. Presentation and Endorsement
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Finalise the scoping report.
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Present findings and recommendations at the second Hauora Wānanga in 2026.
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Use wānanga feedback to shape the next phase (implementation plan, funding applications, or service design).
Key Considerations
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Mana motuhake: The report should emphasize iwi-led solutions and self-determination.
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Whānau-centred approach: Prioritize lived experiences alongside data.
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Transparency: Document process clearly so iwi members see how decisions were made.
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Future focus: Position the report as a foundation for long-term Hauora strategies.
PICTURES TAKEN AT THE INITIAL KAHUNGUNU HEALTH AUTHORITY WĀNANGA
20 NOVEMBER 2025
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