Huaki

“To bring to Light”

Edition 30

Friday, March 27, 2026

Ngāpuhi moves to take greater control of care for its tamariki with new backing

Ngāpuhi is progressing work toward an iwi led approach to supporting tamariki and whānau through the Enabling Communities kaupapa, with Oranga Tamariki supporting this work.

This progress reﬂects a shift toward greater backing for Ngāpuhi to design and deliver its own approaches, building momentum toward iwi led care for tamariki and whānau

At the centre of this kaupapa is an iwi led prototype focused on mokopuna safety, designed to test how Ngāpuhi can better support its own tamariki and whānau and to lay the foundations for the future devolution of speciﬁc Oranga Tamariki functions to Ngāpuhi.

The prototype will put this into action by strengthening whakapapa based care that keeps tamariki connected to their people, their whenua and their identity, supporting more tamariki to remain within their whānau

where it is safe to do so, and building stronger support around Ngāpuhi caregivers

It will also focus on getting alongside whānau earlier, providing practical support before challenges reach crisis point and reducing the likelihood of tamariki entering care or youth justice pathways

Alongside this, Ngāpuhi will look to better coordinate support through a Ngāpuhi led approach, including the development of a Ngāpuhi hub to bring services together and youth focused initiatives aimed at reducing pathways into serious oﬀending.

The prototype will also explore ways to

maintain connection and continuity of support for whānau living outside the rohe

For many whānau across Te Tai Tokerau, the impacts of care and protection and youth justice systems are not new They have been felt across generations

Today, more than 700 Ngāpuhi tamariki are in the care and protection system with many more involved in youth justice These numbers reﬂect a reality many whānau already know too well

This kaupapa reﬂects a long standing drive by Ngāpuhi to create solutions that come from within, grounded in whakapapa, tikanga and the lived experiences of its people

While the need in Te Tai Tokerau has long been clear, this has not always been matched by the level of support required to enable iwi led approaches at scale

This work creates space for Ngāpuhi to design, test and grow its own approaches over time, with Oranga Tamariki supporting this process, while building toward greater iwi leadership and responsibility

The next phase will focus on putting these approaches into practice and ensuring they deliver meaningful outcomes for Ngāpuhi whānau

AcrossNewZealandmore peoplearelookingtowardplantbasedoptionstohelpmanagejoint anddeeptissuediscomfortOne nativebotanicaldrawingrenewed interestisTūpākihi aplantlong knownwithintraditionalMāori knowledgesystemsforitsstrong, activeproperties

Jointstiffnessanddeeptissue discomfortcanstemfromarange ofcauses,includingarthritis, repetitivestrain,injury,orsimplythe wearandtearofeverydaylifeWhile conventionalpainreliefremains common,manyNewZealanders areseekingcomplementary approachesthatsupportthebody withoutrelyingsolelyonsynthetic solutions

Tūpākihistandsoutbecauseofits naturallyoccurringbioactive compoundsTraditionallyithas beenrespectedforitspotentnature

andcarefullypreparedforexternal applicationWheninfusedcorrectly intooilandusedtopicallyitmay helpeaseareasofmusculartension andjointdiscomfortThe combinationofbotanical compoundsandmassage stimulationmaysupportcirculation toaffectedareas,encouraging warmthandmobility Importantly,topicalplantoilsdo not“cureˮarthritisorstructuraljoint conditionsHowever,theymay assistinmanagingsymptomssuch asstiffness,restrictedmovement, anddeepmusculartightnessFor many,thevalueliesnotonlyinthe physicaleffect,butintheholistic process takingtimetoapply, warmthetissuesandreconnect withthebody Thereisalsogrowingconsumer interestinproductsthatalignwith localidentityandsustainability NativebotanicalslikeTūpākihi reflectauniquelyNewZealand

approachtowellbeing-onethat blendstraditionalplantknowledge withmodernformulationstandards

Whenproducedresponsiblyand usedappropriately,plant-infused oilscanofferasupportiveoption withinabroaderpain-management plan

Asresearchcontinuesglobally intoplant-basedanalgesicandantiinflammatorycompounds,New Zealandʼsnativefloraremainsan areaofstrongpotentialForthose managingongoingjointordeep tissuediscomfort,Tūpākihi-based preparationsrepresentanatural culturallygroundedalternativeworth understanding particularlywhen usedsafely,externally,andaspart ofabalancedapproachtohealth

Withincreasingdemandfor gentle,non-invasivesupport,itis clearwhythistraditionalbotanicalis findingaplaceincontemporary conversationsaboutpain managementinNewZealand

his

Kūmarahou for colds & flu this winter

AswintersettlesacrossAotearoamany NewZealandersarerediscoveringthe valueoftraditional,plant-basedsupport forseasonalhealthOnenativeplant, longrespectedinrongoāMāoriis kūmarahou ashrubknownforits naturalabilitytosupporttherespiratory systemandoverallwellbeing Forgenerations,kūmarahouhasbeen usedtohelpeasebreathingcalm irritatedairways,andassistthebodyin clearingcongestionHarvestedwithcare fromthenorthernregions,itholdsa strongplaceintraditionalknowledge wheretheconnectionbetweenpeople andthelandiscentraltowellbeingand healingpracticespasseddownthrough whānau

Kūmarahou Elixirfrom$1490

Todaykūmarahouisbeingthoughtfully reintroducedthroughmodern preparationssuchascoughsyrups, offeringanaturaloptionforthose seekinggentleyeteffectiveseasonal supportItspropertiesaligncloselywith theneedsofwinter whencoughs, colds,andrespiratorydiscomfortare mostcommon,andpeoplearelooking fortrusted,naturalalternatives Asinterestgrowsinauthentic,locally sourcedremedies,kūmarahou representsmorethanjustaproductIt reflectsadeeperreturntobalance wheretradition,nature,andmodern wellbeingcometogether,supporting communitiesacrossAotearoa

Kūmarahou OralSpray$1990

30RathboneSt,Whangārei (nexttoWestpac) Monday-Friday-9:30am-4:00pm contact@naturestherapeutics.co.nz 099889414

Kawakawa Balm$1290

KerynHurinuiharvestsTūpākihifromwhānauland

Waima, Hokianga, under the guidance of

grandfather,GordonLittle-Tito(ManagerofNatures Therapeutics Whangārei), ensuring tikanga is carefullyobservedthroughouttheprocess

Kawakawa

Colds &Flu

Cods &Flu

Sore Throat

New Te Ara Tū o Ngāti Hine clinic expands whānau

centred care in Whangārei

A new Te Ara Tū o Ngāti Hine clinic has opened in Whangārei, extending Ngāti Hine Health Trust’s commitment to providing accessible, whānau centred healthcare across Te Tai Tokerau. Located at 5 Walton Street, the clinic joins the Trust’s established Te Ara Tū o Ngāti Hine services in Moerewa and Kawakawa, providing another option for families seeking aﬀordable, kaupapa Māori primary care.

The opening comes at a time when demand for GP services is increasing and many whānau are struggling with ng waits, rising costs, or simply ﬁnding a ovider who understands their needs The hangārei clinic has been developed to help se this pressure by oﬀering care rooted in anaakitanga and whanaungatanga, with a ong focus on ensuring people feel welcome, pported, and understood from the moment ey enrol

ordability is a central feature of Te Ara Tū o āti Hine’s approach Children aged 0 to 13 e seen free of charge, taitamariki aged 14 to pay $12 00, and adults aged 18 and over y $19 00 for a standard GP consultation r adults who are new to the clinic, the ﬁrst

appointment costs $35 00 for Community Services Card holders or $50 00 for non CSC holders if it takes place within the ﬁrst month of enrolling After that ﬁrst month, the usual fees apply

All new patients begin with a comprehensive nurse health check This ﬁrst step allows the clinical team to understand each person’s health needs before they meet with the clinic’s GP, Dr Amy Walpole The approach is designed to ensure that every patient feels listened to and supported from the beginning of their relationship with the clinic

Because the clinic is located within Ngāti Hine Health Trust, patients can be seamlessly connected with other Trust services when

Hearing

needed This access to wider support enables a more holistic approach to hauora, recognising that wellbeing is inﬂuenced by the broader circumstances and experiences of individuals and their whānau

The opening of Te Ara Tū o Ngāti Hine Whangārei provides a practical and aﬀordable pathway to care for families across the city and surrounding areas, strengthening the network of primary care options available in the region Whānau wanting to enrol or make an appointment can call 0800 200 562

Rae ki te Rae Whakaaro: A korowai of care supporting marae recovery

ŌtetaoRetimarae, oneofthe10marae recoveryhubs activatedduringthe Januaryfloods.

Aunty’s Meatballs

HanuiLawrence

Ingredients:

• 500gm of mince

• 1 grated kumara

• 1 grated carrot

• 1 grated kamokamo

• 2 red onions sliced

• 1 cup of grated breadcrumbs

• 3⁄4 cup of ﬂour

• 2 eggs

• Salt and pepper

TAONGA

Method:

Put all ingredients in a bowl, add eggs last then mix, roll into balls (use wet hands) and fry in oil (I use vegetable oil)

I also made a tomato salsa to compliment the meatballs About 3-4 tomatoes fried in butter add a spoon of sugar and salt as needed Tomatoes are plentiful at present so sweet poured over the meatballs This dish feeds seven adults and there was plenty

Enjoy served with mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad

In the wake of the devastating January 2026 ﬂoods across Taitokerau, Northland Regional Council’s kaimahi have been working alongside whānau to support a recovery led by the strength and resilience of our marae communities Guided by the Rae ki te Rae Whakaaro model, this kaupapa places a korowai of care around the collective response and recovery eﬀorts

At the heart of this model is the korowai – a powerful metaphor for protection, prestige, and deep aroha Like a ﬁnely woven cloak, this approach brings together strands of community knowledge, preparedness, and manaakitanga to uphold whānau in times of crisis

For the past two years, Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management has been partnering with marae across Taitokerau to develop tailored emergency preparedness plans This mahi supports marae to build resilience,

strengthen self-sufficiency, and confidently “stand up” as Civil Defence Hubs during major weather events The goal: ensuring communities are supported through the vital first 72 hours of a severe weather event

This work was put to the test during the January 2026 Whangaruru ﬂoods Ten Ngātiwai marae activated immediately, stepping into their roles as community anchors and responding swiftly to local needs Their leadership demonstrated the strength of marae-based preparedness and the power of community-led response

Following this, NRC’s Civil Defence and kaimahi from across the council, activated the Rae ki te Rae Whakaaro plan to provide coordinated wrap-around support to whānau throughout the recovery phase The success of this activation highlights the eﬀectiveness of a model shaped by tikanga, partnership, and the collective determination of our people.

WHĀNAU FIRST: NURSE-LED CARE KEEPING MURIWHENUA

HEALTHY

Winter is coming, and no whānau wants their tamariki battling ﬂu and other sneaky bugs on their own Two and a half years ago, Te Whare Oranga O Muriwhenua was just an idea, born from a growing GP crisis locally and nationally. Clinics had closed their books, leaving whānau across Muriwhenua without reliable medical care. The tipping point came when even vulnerable groups, like residents in care facilities, were struggling to access consistent services.

When ANT proposed opening a new clinic, some thought we were crazy “A rural clinic? Youre asking for trouble!” they said Starting a practice in a high-needs community with workforce shortages felt like walking a tightrope with hurdles at every step

But the need outweighed the doubt

On 1 August 2023, we opened our doors as a nurse-led clinic with the caring support of a brilliant local doctor, removing cost as a barrier

so whānau could access care when nee not when their wallets allowed

Since then, we have enrolled 1,500 patie Behind that number are tamariki receiv essential immunisations, families prepa for winter with ﬂu vaccinations, and kau managing long-term conditions

Our holistic approach is strengthened b a hauora Māori practitioner working fro Te Whare Mauri, within Te Whare Oran

Using rongoā Māori, including kawakawa and wairua mahi, she supports wellbeing across all spectrums

Te Whare Oranga O Muriwhenua is kaupapadriven, powered by skilled staﬀ with clinical expertise, lived experience, and local whakapapa Our team blends professionalism, cultural understanding, humour, and just enough coﬀee to survive the busiest days

Accessible healthcare isn’t just a service, it’s a

lifeline Protecting tamariki with immunisations, keeping whānau ﬂu-ready, and supporting wellbeing with rongoā Māori is one of the simplest ways to safeguard Muriwhenua this winter

This clinic stands as a reminder that when communities lead, solutions follow The focus now is to keep building, keep reaching whānau, and ensure no one in Muriwhenua is left without access to care

Tipene Allen

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You Will Find: A People-First Shift in Hiring

Matt Pryor

From Titoki in Mangakahia, sisters Leah Timoko and Kirsty Tuhiwai are building a platform designed to change how Aotearoa thinks about employment. Whakapapa to Te Parawhau and Ngā Puhi grounds their approach, but their vision reaches far beyond Tai Tokerau. Their pakihi, You Will Find, was born from lived experience.

After returning to the workforce from parental leave in September 2025, Leah found herself job hunting for the ﬁrst time in a decade

“I hadn’t had to job hunt in 10 years,” she says “I was shocked to see the process was still the same I felt defeated and thought there has to be a better way ”

Instead of accepting the system, the sisters reimagined it

The name You Will Find speaks to endless opportunity “Search and you will find Match and you will find Hire and you will find ” It reflects their belief that employment should be about connection, not competition

The platform allows job seekers to create one veriﬁed proﬁle and choose who they engage

NorthlandsistersLeahTimokoandKirstyTuhiwaiarereshapinghiringinAotearoawithYou WillFind,apeople-firstplatformrestoringdignity,choiceandopportunitytojobseekers

with Employers approach candidates directly, reducing wasted time and “ghost” applications It restores dignity to the process

“You Will Find is built on the belief that people are taonga, not transactions ”

The business reﬂects manaakitanga and tino rangatiratanga by putting control back into the hands of individuals It is purpose-driven and grounded in te ao Māori values, with whānau and collective success at its heart

“We are building not just a company, but intergenerational opportunity grounded in trust, fairness, and empowerment ”

The journey hasn’t been without challenges Developing the website required outsourcing, and translating their vision to developers proved diﬃcult

“We knew exactly what we wanted, but getting developers to see and understand the vision has been a struggle ”

Still, launching their core product remains a proud milestone “The world is our oyster ”

Their long-term vision is bold: shift the power dynamic in hiring from job-centric to peoplecentric They want individuals to be visible and valued for who they are and what they oﬀer.

Right now, their focus is exposure. Growing their candidate database will create the depth employers need to engage conﬁdently with the platform

For aspiring Māori entrepreneurs, Leah oﬀers practical advice

“Start before you feel ready Clarity comes from

action, not overthinking ”

“Back yourself, especially on the hard days There will be doubt, criticism, and setbacks, but resilience is built in the doing ”

Most importantly, she encourages founders to align business with values

“When your business reﬂects who you truly are, the motivation runs deeper than proﬁt, and that’s what sustains you long term ”

Through purpose, persistence and whakapapa, You Will Find is quietly reshaping the future of hiring in Aotearoa