Innovative report shows collaboration to improve Māori Health would increase regional productivity by $122 million annually

The report, “Health and productivity opportunities: Assessing the economic value of addressing priority health conditions in Hawke’s Bay working-age Māori”, was commissioned jointly by Hawke’s Bay Regional Development Agency (REDA) and the Tihei Tākitimu Iwi-Māori Partnership Board.

Produced by NZIER economists Sarah Hogan and Tom Dunn, the report is thought to be the first in New Zealand to consider the critical links between Māori wellbeing and regional economic development. Māori make up 29 per cent of Hawke’s Bay’s overall working population and play a vital role in the food and fibre sector industries, along with regional recovery.

“The research shows that Hawke’s Bay’s working-age Māori aren’t accessing health care early enough, for a variety of reasons, which leads to more serious primary health conditions,” Lucy Laitinen, REDA’s CEO says.

“One of the reasons it’s so difficult for Māori to access health services is because they largely work in agriculture, forestry, and fishing with little or no flexibility in their working hours. They also earn less than the regional average. These are among the issues driving the relatively low use of preventative care which leads to the high rate of ED visits.’’

Tihei Tākitimu Iwi-Māori Partnership Board co-chair Lewis Ratapu says the report provides the wider community with a burning platform to think about and act differently in how health services to Māori are delivered. We need to invest more effectively and deliver services targeting mental illness and addiction, diabetes and cardiovascular disease so Māori can lead happier, healthier lives, provide for their whānau and continue to make a productive contribution to the local community.

Ratapu hopes the collaboration with REDA ensures health stays on the agenda for local regional leaders – the Matariki Governance Group – as it considers its priorities over the coming year. He noted the Regional Recovery Plan identified a need for 2,500 extra people to deliver the recovery programme over the next three years and with co-ordination needed to address current and future workforce requirements.

“We will be actively encouraging and facilitating a joined-up approach to addressing this issue, including exploring alternative health service models with large local employers, iwi, hauora Māori and health service providers and local and central government working together to trial different options for Māori that suit their needs, Ratapu says.

The research only further highlights the importance of Māori health to Hawke’s Bay’s future. This issue is not going to go away, especially as the working-age population of Māori is expected to grow to 43,540 within the next two decades.

Together as a community we have to improve Māori health now,” Ms Laitinen says.

NZEIR Health  Productivity Opportunities

Needs VS Race Debate

We’ve started an A-Z Index which profiles many of our local providers, so that whānau can find out where to access the right services when they need them.

Continue reading

Urban Lens: Capturing the City’s Soul

This photography portfolio is a deep dive into urban landscapes, capturing the soul of the city through the lens. It features a collection of images that portray the city’s dynamic energy, architectural marvels, and the candid moments of its inhabitants. Each photograph is a narrative of the urban experience, showcasing the photographer’s ability to find beauty in the everyday.

The collection also explores the contrast between the bustling streets and the quiet, unnoticed corners of the city. It’s a celebration of urban life, highlighting the diversity, culture, and vibrancy that make each city unique.

Sculptural Delights: Furniture Design Portfolio

This portfolio presents a series of innovative furniture designs that blur the lines between functionality and art. Each piece is a result of creative exploration, combining materials, forms, and textures to create furniture that is both practical and visually striking. The designs range from minimalist to complex, catering to diverse tastes and spaces.

The collection showcases the designer’s versatility and commitment to craftsmanship. Whether it’s a sleek, modern chair or an intricate, sculptural table, each design is a testament to the designer’s ability to reimagine the possibilities of furniture design.

Modern Spaces: Innovative Interior Design

This portfolio presents a series of modern interior design projects that blend aesthetics with functionality. Each design demonstrates a keen understanding of space, color, and materials, creating environments that are both inviting and innovative. The projects range from residential spaces to commercial interiors, each with a unique character.

The portfolio highlights the designer’s ability to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. Through a mix of contemporary furnishings, thoughtful layout, and attention to detail, these designs redefine the way we perceive and interact with interior spaces.

Cutting-Edge Couture: Avant-Garde Fashion Design

This portfolio features a collection of avant-garde fashion designs that challenge conventional notions of beauty and style. Each design is a work of art, pushing the limits of imagination and creativity in fashion. The designer uses a mix of unconventional materials, bold colors, and experimental silhouettes to create striking couture pieces.

experimental silhouettes to create striking couture pieces. The collection is a testament to the designer’s artistic vision and technical expertise. It invites viewers to explore the boundaries of fashion and to appreciate the artistry involved in creating avant-garde apparel.

Digital Dreams: Innovative Graphic Design

This portfolio showcases a range of graphic design projects that demonstrate creativity and innovation in the digital realm. From brand identities to interactive websites, each project is a blend of visual aesthetics and functional design. The portfolio highlights the designer’s ability to communicate ideas effectively through digital mediums.

The collection also reflects the designer’s versatility in adapting to various styles and trends in the digital design world. It’s a display of how graphic design can be used to create impactful and memorable visual experiences.

Captivating Portraits: A Photographic Journey

This portfolio is a collection of portrait photographs that capture the essence of each subject. The photographer’s ability to connect with subjects, understanding their personalities and stories, is evident in each image. These portraits range from candid shots to carefully staged compositions, each telling its own story.

The collection showcases the photographer’s skill in using light, composition, and mood to reveal the unique character of each individual. It’s a celebration of human diversity and the art of portrait photography.

Revolutionary Runway: Breakthrough Fashion Shows

This portfolio presents a series of groundbreaking fashion shows that have redefined the runway experience. Each show is a display of creative vision, merging fashion with performance art. The portfolio captures the essence of these shows, from the innovative designs on display to the dynamic choreography and staging.

The collection not only showcases the garments but also the creative process behind staging a successful fashion show. It highlights the collaboration between designers, models, artists, and technicians in bringing a fashion vision to life.