One of a kind online health hub launched for Māori

The health of whānau and hapū will be celebrated at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae in Whakatāne today as Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service launches a one of a kind online Māori health hub to Bay of Plenty whānau, hapū and iwi.

Hapū Hauora is a unique health resource hub available at www.hapuhauora.health.nz that has been specifically developed for hapū and whānau to improve Māori health and celebrate whānau wellbeing. 

Hapū Hauora provides hapū with baskets of knowledge, 'Ngā Kete Mātauranga', around three health areas; oranga kai (healthy food), auahi kore (smokefree), and te karonga I ngā momo mate (avoiding infections).  Within each of these kete there are resources, tips, interactive tools, step by step advice and easy to use templates whānau can use to improve their health and the health of their hapū - using the marae to set the example and lead the way for tamariki. 

In the near future there will be two additional health areas developed to support whānau to whakakore waipiro (reduce alcohol intake) and increase korikori tīnana (physical activity).  

An integral component of this initiative has been the inclusion of hapū throughout its development.  Group interviews were held with a number of local Eastern Bay of Plenty hapū to discuss health priorities.  Additionally, a Reference Group was established to provide overall guidance and advice to the initiative.  The Reference Group consists of active hapū members who also have health sector experience, a number of them employed within local Māori health providers.

Hapū Hauora will be treated as a living resource and will be continuously updated with Māori health information.  Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the resource is the ability for whānau and hapū to contribute success stories of health in action at their marae, allowing all whānau to share knowledge and learn from each other.