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

4 Whānau-Centred Initiatives –
Perspectives and Aspirations
4.1 Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> Perspectives
4.1.1 The <strong>Taskforce</strong> for Whānau-Centred Initiatives quickly became known as
<strong>the</strong> ‘Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> <strong>Taskforce</strong>’. ‘Whānau <strong>Ora</strong>’ is not mentioned in <strong>the</strong> Terms
<strong>of</strong> Reference, although it is stated as a key objective in a number <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r
programmes, including <strong>the</strong> Māori Health Strategy and <strong>the</strong> Whānau Strategy
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Families Commission. More to <strong>the</strong> point, <strong>the</strong> concept has been real to
whānau over many years. During <strong>the</strong> consultation process, hui participants
<strong>of</strong>ten regarded <strong>the</strong> overall aim <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Taskforce</strong> as synonymous with <strong>the</strong>
broad aims <strong>of</strong> Whānau <strong>Ora</strong>, even though interpretations <strong>of</strong> Whānau <strong>Ora</strong>
varied.
4.1.2 However, <strong>the</strong>re was no uniform understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> term or <strong>the</strong> process.
Based on <strong>the</strong> written submissions from a large number <strong>of</strong> agencies
and individuals, and <strong>the</strong> submissions made at <strong>the</strong> engagement hui, <strong>the</strong>
<strong>Taskforce</strong> recognises a wide range <strong>of</strong> views and understandings associated
with Whānau <strong>Ora</strong>. Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> was variously understood as a way <strong>of</strong>
conceptualising whānau (a ‘philosophy’), a model <strong>of</strong> practice for ‘whānau
practitioners’, an outcome goal, a funding mechanism and a foundation
for future generations. Moreover, <strong>the</strong>re was an element <strong>of</strong> confusion
between <strong>the</strong> <strong>Taskforce</strong> on Whānau-Centred Initiatives, <strong>the</strong> Māori Economic
<strong>Taskforce</strong> and <strong>the</strong> Māori PHO Coalition (which was also based on a Whānau
<strong>Ora</strong> <strong>the</strong>me). This section <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> report explores some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> perspectives
surrounding Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> and <strong>the</strong> associated expectations. It draws heavily
on written submissions and oral statements received by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Taskforce</strong>
during <strong>the</strong> engagement hui.
Ae, I support <strong>the</strong> kaupapa,
<strong>the</strong> kōrero and <strong>the</strong> whakaaro
behind Whānau <strong>Ora</strong>.
4.2 Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> as a Philosophy
4.2.1 The <strong>Taskforce</strong> has noted that Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> is increasingly used as a term for
whānau wellbeing. Initially it appeared as an overarching aim in <strong>the</strong> Māori
Health Strategy He Korowai <strong>Ora</strong>nga (2002), carrying with it an aspiration that
‘Māori families are supported to achieve <strong>the</strong> fullness <strong>of</strong> health and wellbeing
within te ao Māori and New Zealand Society as a whole’. The intention
appears to have been to shift from an exclusive focus on individual illness to
a broader perspective based around whānau health. Because <strong>of</strong> that early
association, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Taskforce</strong> encountered some expectations that it would
primarily address health matters.
4.2.2 However, at all engagement hui it was evident that <strong>the</strong> concept has been
taken up by o<strong>the</strong>r sectors, such as education, social development and
justice. The earlier link with health had been expanded to include wellbeing
from a wider perspective. Fur<strong>the</strong>r, in addition to <strong>the</strong> broader interpretation,
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