Building Our Future Health Workforce: University of Waikato CCLC Partnership
Tihei Takitimu is delighted to partner with the University of Waikato on the establishment of a regional Community Clinical Learning Centre (CCLC). Early discussions have reinforced how transformative this strategic initiative will be in addressing critical regional workforce shortages and fulfilling whānau demands for culturally safe care delivered by “people who look and sound like us.”
To drive this vision forward, a joint wānanga is scheduled in Hamilton in mid-September to confirm immediate operational actions. By November, we plan to begin student recruitment alongside launching a dedicated sponsorship campaign to assist students with living expenses across their four-year study and placement period. We look forward to sharing comprehensive details on the CCLC project in our upcoming November e-Pānui.
Global Platform, Local Reality: Kerri Nuku Addresses the UN
In June Tihei Takitimu Co-Chair Kerri Nuku took our regional and national realities to the global stage, presenting at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. In her address, Kerri challenged policy decisions and systemic restructuring that dilute Indigenous leadership and worsen health inequities for whānau. Her observations directly mirror the core concerns outlined in Tihei Takitimu’s Manifesto for Whānau Hauora – specifically the urgent need for Te Tiriti-aligned governance, sustainable funding for kaupapa Māori providers, and protection of our health workforce.
With the 2026 election cycle underway, Kerri’s address reinforces the necessity for fearless, uncompromised advocacy. As political parties set their health platforms, Tihei Takitimu remains steadfast in demanding that regional policy and resource allocation actively uphold whānau self-determination and deliver measurable, equitable health outcomes across our rohe.
Unifying Regional Action: Top 5 Priorities for Te Ikaroa
In May 2026, Te Ikaroa regional Iwi Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs) presented a landmark report to Health New Zealand (HNZ) and the Ministry of Health identifying our top five collective health priorities. Commissioned by the regional collective and authored by Gabrielle Baker, the independent analysis synthesized 121 individual local priorities across five Community Health Plans into five core regional focus areas: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Oral Health, Cancer Screening, Primary Health Care, and Access to Hospital & Specialist Services.
This framework was specifically designed to streamline regional collaboration with health authorities and drive equitable outcomes for whānau. A follow-up meeting scheduled for late August / early September aims to translate these shared priorities into a clear, enforceable action plan complete with dedicated performance measures.
Championing Whānau Wellbeing in Mental Health Reform
In May 2026, Tihei Takitimu delivered a firm submission on the draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026–2036. Highlighting a $122 million annual economic drain on Hawke’s Bay caused by preventable health inequities, our response demands a fundamental shift from failing, centralized models to devolved, community-led governance. With mental illness remaining the primary cause of death for Māori aged 15–29 in our rohe, we urged the Ministry of Health to embed Te Tiriti obligations, protect the kaupapa Māori nursing workforce, and ensure sustainable local funding. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2026-2036) was released on 6 August, and can be read here: LINK
Standing Firm Against Alcohol Deregulation
In June 2026, Tihei Takitimu lodged a submission opposing the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill. Hazardous drinking among Māori in Hawke’s Bay tracks at 38.4%—twice the regional baseline. We warned the Justice Select Committee that expanding rapid home deliveries, permitting unlicensed alcohol service in hairdressing settings, and creating an arbitrary 1km objection boundary will silence local marae and endanger whānau. We called for the Bill’s complete withdrawal and urged the Crown to resource Māori Wardens as local decision-makers. The Select Committee process remains ongoing, with no formal outcomes or decisions reported yet.
Protecting Lifesaving Diabetes Medication Pathways
In June 2026, Tihei Takitimu submitted a strong opposition to Pharmac’s proposal to strip ethnicity criteria from Special Authority access pathways for SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Māori in Hawke’s Bay are 2.1 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. Removing this proven equity trigger relies on a primary care system where whānau already experience severe access barriers and GP shortages. We urged Pharmac to retain the safeguard, address systemic barriers, and expand access horizontally without undermining equitable care. The decision to widen access for Type-2 Diabetes Medicines was made on 5 August and will come into effect on 1 September. LINK
