About Us

The mission of Manaaki Ora look at three key functions of Manaaki Ora:

The Waka Hourua is used to describe the operating model.  The central platform of the waka can be described as the Marae and gathering place of the waka. In this model it is also the overall governance, executive and shared services of Manaaki Ora.  One hull represents Whai Ora, Te Utuhina services and the other hull represents the health, social and education services of Tipu Ora.

As Houmaitawhiti farewelled Ngatoroirangi, Tametekapua and other close relatives on the shores of Tumuwhakairia, he encouraged the explorers to seek a safe and peaceful land where the only battle that should be waged would be the fight for life.

E Ngatoro , e Tama, e Tia, e Hei, e Oro, e Maka, haere!
E tae koutou ki uta, kei mau ki tai, ki tū, puhia he angina!
E mau ki tai, ki noho, mā te huhu e popo, e hanehane.

When you reach land, do not hold with violence, or you will be blown away as thin air;
hold with the side of peace, that you may live long and die naturally.

The tauākī or declaration of Houmaitawhiti endures as a worthy aspiration for Te Arawa as we face contemporary threats to good health and old age. It is also a foundation for the vision of Manaaki Ora Trust.

Ngā Rākau E Rua o Atuamatua was the name of the waka hourua or double hulled waka that carried the descendants of Ohomairangi on their voyage to Aotearoa. During this time the name of the waka was changed to Te Arawa, and was adopted by the migrants as the name of their iwi on their arrival.  This also serves Manaaki Ora Trust as we transform and adopt the concept of the waka hourua as a vessel carrying our aspirations for health.