Whanau Ora : Report of the Taskforce on Whanau-Centred Initiatives

1.4 Methodology
1.4.1 Evidence on <strong>the</strong> effectiveness <strong>of</strong> whānau-centred services was ga<strong>the</strong>red
through reviewing <strong>the</strong> literature, engaging with <strong>the</strong> public and developing
case studies.
1.4.2 A range <strong>of</strong> literature was reviewed and summarised, with a focus on
New Zealand research. A preliminary stocktake <strong>of</strong> whānau social sector
programmes and services was also carried out.
1.4.3 The <strong>Taskforce</strong> undertook an engagement process to present its proposal,
as set out in <strong>the</strong> discussion document, and to hear <strong>the</strong> responses and views
<strong>of</strong> urban and rural whānau, hapū, iwi and providers.
1.4.4 Twenty-two hui were held around <strong>the</strong> country as part <strong>of</strong> this process, and
were attended by approximately 600 people (see Appendix B). In addition,
more than 100 individuals or groups provided written feedback on <strong>the</strong>
proposal.
1.4.5 A number <strong>of</strong> broad <strong>the</strong>mes became apparent during <strong>the</strong> engagement
process, including widespread support for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Taskforce</strong>’s proposal and
optimism about what Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> could potentially achieve. Some
apprehension was expressed about <strong>the</strong> delivery <strong>of</strong> Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> in practice,
and <strong>the</strong>re was concern that a separate Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> initiative may lead to
marginalisation <strong>of</strong> services for Māori.
1.4.6 There was strong interest in <strong>the</strong> details <strong>of</strong> implementation and in <strong>the</strong>
governance and management <strong>of</strong> Whānau <strong>Ora</strong>. Many people emphasised
<strong>the</strong> need for Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> to demonstrate:
• sustainability and adequate resourcing
• a ‘Māori heart’
• a research and evaluation component
• local representation in decision-making
• minimal bureaucracy
• quality relationships between whānau, providers and iwi.
1.4.7 Case study research was carried out to provide evidence <strong>of</strong> what
whānau-centred policy and service delivery could, or would, look like.
This involved reviewing existing work by Te Puni Kōkiri and <strong>the</strong>
development <strong>of</strong> case studies with four service providers who currently
use a whānau-centred philosophy and approach.
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