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MEDIA RELEASE – 5 March 2026

NGĀTI KAHUNGUNU IWI PARTNER WITH HEALTH HAWKE'S BAY TO HOST PRIMARY CARE SYMPOSIUM

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Ngāti Kahungunu is proud to stand alongside Health Hawke’s Bay for the upcoming Primary Care Symposium, Kia hora te Ora, at Toitoi in Hastings. The event opens with a breakfast presentation on Friday, 6 March, followed by the full symposium on Saturday, 7 March.

 

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Chair, Bayden Barber, says, “Primary care is the waharoa, the gateway to the New Zealand health system, so we need effective General Practices delivering accessible and affordable services to our people. Just as importantly, those services must be culturally competent, acknowledging our values and wellness aspirations as Ngāti Kahungunu.”

 

Barber who is a past Chair (and the first with Māori whakapapa) of Health Hawke’s Bay has long advocated for strong, culturally grounded primary care services that meet the needs of Māori communities. He emphasises the importance of ensuring that health structures and investment reflect the aspirations of iwi, hapū, and whānau.

 

Adds Barber, “The Ngāti Kahungunu population is close to 100,000 with an average age of 26. Our demographic is young and growing faster than the national population, so the future is bright. At the same time, we remain overrepresented in major health statistics such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. Addressing these challenges is essential if we are to reach our full potential as an iwi.”

 

Last year, Ngāti Kahungunu announced it would establish its own independent Kahungunu Iwi Health Authority, Te Toka Tū Moana o Ngāti Kahungunu. This followed a six‑month consultation process with whānau, hapū, and iwi as part of the Kahungunu 2050 strategic plan. The process culminated in a Wānanga‑ā‑Iwi in November 2025, attended by around 400 people, with another wānanga planned for 2026.

 

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc. CEO, Chrissie Hape, (who is also a former Chair of Health Hawke’s Bay) says, “We heard very clearly from our people that the health and wellbeing of Ngāti Kahungunu is a key priority. That’s why we have partnered with Health Hawke’s Bay to deliver this year’s Primary Care Symposium. We want our people’s aspirations embedded into how primary care is delivered in Te Matau‑a‑Māui.”

 

Health Hawke’s Bay also sees strong value in the partnership. Health HB Chairman, Kevin Snee, says, “Primary care is the foundation of the health system, where most care is delivered most of the time. It is critical to addressing inequalities.”

 

Health HB CEO, Irihāpeti Mahuika, adds, “Mā te kotahitanga tātou e rere ana. We must work collaboratively with local iwi to ensure our whānau’s primary health care needs are met through general practice.”

 

The Primary Care Symposium is expected to draw practitioners from across the Hawke’s Bay region, with keynote speakers representing a range of disciplines and kaupapa. Waikato University will also bring a delegation to speak about its plans to open a Medical School in the coming years.

Ngāti Kahungunu sees its relationship with Health Hawke’s Bay as a strategic partnership that both parties look forward to strengthening through this collaboration.

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