'The report has raised valid points'

Ngaroma Grant

Te Arawa Whanau Ora project manager Ngaroma Grant has acknowledged the report by the Auditor General, saying they will take the feedback on board.

The report, while highlighting challenges faced by Whanau Ora during phase one of its development, also pointed out its significant impact on whanau.

"The report has raised valid points which we must take on board," Ms Grant said. "There are always challenges when developing new systems and processes and we will take time to learn what we can from the report."

The report highlighted the need for "strong support from other government agencies, such as the Ministers of Health and Social Development" if Whanau Ora was to succeed.

"Te Arawa Whanau Ora has always been clear on its kaupapa and vision, which is to secure successful futures for our whanau, but to do this we need support from key government agencies and as well as the wider community."

Te Arawa Whanau Ora had a robust data management system, which allowed for a detailed analysis of whanau outcomes that could then be reported on, measured and analysed, she said.

"Because a successful future can vary from whanau to whanau, we see a wide array of positive outcomes in areas such as employment, training and education, physical fitness, housing, health and well-being. Our systems are able to track these results allowing us to benchmark successes and further strengthen our delivery model."

The collective, which was launched in 2013, comprises eight Te Arawa-based health and social service providers: Aroha Mai Cancer Support, Korowai Health Services, Maketu Health & Social Services, Te Roopu a Iwi o Te Arawa Charitable Trust, Te Papa Takaro o Te Arawa, Te Runanga o Ngati Pikiao, Te Waiariki Purea Trust and Wera Aotearoa Charitable Trust.

"Te Arawa Whanau Ora has been successful in achieving Whanau Ora outcomes because it ensures whanau are able to determine their own goals and are given positive support to achieve them. As a result, whanau are able to harness their collective power and skills and transform their lives," Ms Grant said.

Te Arawa Whanau Ora has helped more than 1500 individual whanau members during the past year.

"The report contains a number of challenges that have been identified and, as a whanau, we will explore what can be learned from the past and how we can continue to build a stronger and more robust foundation on which to deliver services that have been transformational for so many."