Te Hikutanga: The Heartbeat of Te Hiku Hauora

At the core of Te Hiku Hauora is Te Hikutanga, the team responsible for Mātauranga Māori and tikanga within the organisation. Their role is to ensure that these principles are not just acknowledged but woven into every part of Te Hiku Hauora. As these foundations are introduced and nurtured, they will become the very culture of the organisation – normalising Mātauranga Māori, tikanga, and Pūrākau from Muriwhenua. This is more than a process; it is a return to our roots, an act of honouring the wisdom and traditions that continue to guide us.

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Mā Muriwhenua, mō Muriwhenua. We have seen first-hand how the health system has failed Māori, especially in Muriwhenua. The time has come to return to a way of being that pre-dates colonisation.

This is not about reverting to “bush medicine”, but rather about being unapologetically Māori in everything we do—how we engage, how we interact, and how we serve our whānau. Being unapologetically Māori ensures best practice for everyone involved, creating a space where whānau can access healthcare and support in a way that aligns with our values, our identity, and our tikanga. Currently, Te Hikutanga is guided by the expertise and leadership of Kaiwhatu Tracey Brown, Poutiaki Mereana Pou, Co-ordinator Cynthia Perham, and Kaumātua Bundy Waitai and Tom Allen. However, this kaupapa is not limited to a single team. Eventually, everyone within Te Hiku Hauora will be part of Te Hikutanga—practising, delivering, and upholding the mana of kawa and tikanga in every space they occupy.

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This movement is not the work of any one person, but rather the collective efforts of all involved.

The kaupapa was initiated by Dr Maria Baker and shared with Tracey Brown, who then brought it to life by establishing the Whakakotahi Rōpū of Kaumātua Kuia from Muriwhenua. From there, Te Hikutanga’s structure was developed, and with the support of her team, Tracey has led the way in implementing wānanga iti, waiata sessions, and providing tautoko for all pōwhiri and whakatau within Te Hiku Hauora.

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For those seeking cultural guidance, the organisation of pōwhiri or whakatau, or opportunities to attend wānanga (iti or roa, schedule to be determined), Te Hikutanga is here to support.

Reach out via email at TEHIKUTANGA@TEHIKUHAUORA.NZ