Building a Healthy Rohe: Our Political Manifesto
Ahead of our upcoming Political Forum, Tihei Takitimu will publish its inaugural Political Manifesto setting out a focused, practical path toward equitable health outcomes across Te Matau a Māui.
Co-Chairs Kerri Nuku and Lewis Ratapu emphasize that the manifesto is grounded directly in the lived experiences of whānau across our communities.
“This is not a generic ‘shopping list’ of endless demands,” explain Co-Chairs Kerri Nuku and Lewis Ratapu. “We have listened carefully to what whānau are experiencing on the ground and distilled those insights into three meaningful, pragmatic solutions that any commonsense government can implement.”
The Reality Facing Primary Care
The urgent need for a systemic reset is illustrated by ongoing pressures across our primary care network. Across the region, local clinics face immense strain from persistent GP workforce shortages, leaving thousands of enrolled whānau at risk of losing continuity of care. While immediate emergency measures have offered temporary relief, the underlying structural bottlenecks persist.
Beyond urban centres, the human impact of rural health shortages is equally stark. Dedicated kaimahi and rural providers continue to work under extraordinary pressure to deliver Te Tiriti-centric, whānau-centred care under tight resources. Yet, as local experience demonstrates, sustainable healthcare relies on trusting relationships and consistent local presence – without workforce stabilisation, isolated communities remain incredibly vulnerable.
Three Commonsense Priorities
Rather than spreading resources thin, Tihei Takitimu’s Political Manifesto focuses decision-makers on three high-impact priorities:
- Urgent Primary Care Access & Workforce Stabilisation: Deliver immediate operational support to kaupapa Māori GP practices, back Nurse Practitioner-led care models, and fund flexible mobile outreach to reach shift and rural workers.
- Upstream Health Promotion & Preventative Education: Reallocate funding into community-embedded, face-to-face health literacy and local screening units led by kaimahi who reflect the community.
- Whānau-Centric Mental Health & Wellbeing: Establish integrated “No Wrong Door” support hubs, and ring-fence funding for youth and maternal mental health.
By endorsing these practical solutions at the Political Forum, decision-makers can turn whānau voice into action and help guarantee quality, equitable care for every community in Hawke’s Bay.
