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

with consumerism, mass marketing ploys and value systems that favour
individual gains over collective responsibility. None<strong>the</strong>less, as major forces
within society, <strong>the</strong> potential <strong>of</strong> whānau to actively foster healthy lifestyles for
<strong>the</strong>ir members is high. In order to do so effectively, wider whānau leadership,
coupled with <strong>the</strong> best available information and <strong>the</strong> intergenerational
transmission <strong>of</strong> values and models, will be important.
Full Whānau Participation in Society
6.2.8 Whānau are conduits to society and societal institutions and a measure
<strong>of</strong> Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> is <strong>the</strong> extent to which whānau members can participate in
society. Full participation is a goal that recognises ready whānau access
to community facilities and <strong>the</strong> ability to benefit from community goods
and services. Access to health services, quality schooling, recreational
facilities, housing, commercial ventures, meaningful employment and
levels <strong>of</strong> income adequate for whānau needs are necessary for whānau
wellbeing. Successful participation in education is a critical determinant
<strong>of</strong> wider participation and is positively associated with better health, higher
incomes, adequate housing and healthier lifestyles. Participation is inhibited
by historic patterns <strong>of</strong> exclusion, gatekeepers who are selective, whānau
alienation from societal goals and values, and economic barriers that act
as deterrents. But participation is accelerated by whānau-friendly services,
active whānau involvement in decision-making and planning, affordability
and whānau leadership that actively engages with community leaders
and institutions.
6.2.9 Material and human resources are necessary for Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> and a
two-way exchange between whānau and society is an essential precursor
to <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> participation. Full and equitable participation in society is a
right. But, for many, whānau exclusion from society has been a function
<strong>of</strong> institutional cultural blindness. Agencies that fail to align <strong>the</strong>ir services
to whānau cultural norms will perpetuate a sense <strong>of</strong> exclusion and will
not be able to achieve <strong>the</strong> best possible outcomes. Māori-led services in
health, education (including early childhood and tertiary education) and
social welfare have demonstrated that, when a service recognises
Māoricultural values in protocols for assessment, management and
follow-up, participation rates are higher. Similarly when a whānau
approach to engagement is encouraged, Māori participation increases.
Encourage whānau to be
part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> solution.
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