We believe our koeke – our kuia, koroua and pakeke – hold the wairua and wisdom of our whānau, hapū and iwi. Supporting them means strengthening the whole of Te Arawa.

In 2022, we received support from Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority) to assist with the development of services ground in te ao Māori, designed with and for our koeke. These initiatives focus on what matters most: companionship, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, oranga tinana, tribal governance, and sharing their experience and mātauranga with their whānau, marae, hapū and iwi.

Working closely with local leaders and community groups, we’ve helped bring to life three kaupapa that uplift our Te Arawa koeke.

1. Te Pūkenga Koeke o Te Arawa – Wānanga o Ngā Koeke
   Koeke come together every couple of months to wānanga ideas and share whakaaro on tribal governance. These hui create space for leadership, reflection and the passing on of knowledge that guides our iwi today and into the future.
2. Te Rōpū o Te Ora – Kia Pai ki te Kāinga (Koeke wellbeing visits)
   Nine branches of the Women’s Health League are supported to visit our kaumātua at home – bringing warmth, compassion, whanaungatanga and a listening ear. This kaupapa helps reduce isolation and supports our kaumātua to feel seen, supported and connected.
3. Oranga Tinana o Ue
   Staying active and well is central to hauora. Our koeke are supported to take part in regular activities like kanikani oranga, korikori tinana, rongoā, mirimiri, ngāwha and the annual Te Arawa Kaumātua Olympics. These are not just fun, they’re essential moments of hauora and celebration.