Tēnā koutou katoa

Today, we have much to celebrate.

On July 26, 2014, at six locations across Te Waipounamu, Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu was launched in a historic partnership between the nine iwi of Te Waipounamu.

Ten years on, the growth and impact we have seen have been beyond expectations.

It is such a privilege to be in this space that is Whānau Ora through Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu. As we celebrate 10 years, I think about the architects, like the founder of Whānau Ora, our Manu-Taki-i-te-Kahui, the Hon Dr Dame Tariana Turia; and our own Te Waipounamu legend Whaea Molly Luke. I think of the founding Chair, Matua Norm Dewes and of those who also guided, Aunty Kiwa, Dame Aroha Rereti-Crofts and Tania Mataki, to name a few.

I think of Helen Leahy as the previous Pouārahi whose passion for whānau and her beautiful words took us all on a journey and continues to do so today even though she is serving whānau elsewhere. I think of Cazna Luke, Dottie Morrison, Sasha McMeeking and Wayne Vargas who created the notion of what a commissioning agency might look like.

I acknowledge the courage and tenacity of the nine iwi of Te Waipounamu who were inspired to come together to trailblaze this new concept, to open this new realm of possibilities for so many whānau who have been able to realise their dreams and aspirations. I think of the hundreds of whānau who have dared to dream and consider a different reality for them and their uri. It is heartening to see so many of them still flourishing today. I have the greatest respect for them all and their courage to try, to do and to fly.

I consider our Board who through Te Taumata, also guide and steer the work of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu.

I think of our huge Navigator partner network and the incredible work that they do. Those partners who serve whānau through Tū Pono, and Mokopuna Ora. I consider our other workstreams – RUIA, Tama Ora, Tai Neke Tai Ora, Kōanga Kai, Āroa, Te Kiwai, Te Reo Matatini me Te Pangarau, Uruora and Tūmata,  each of them in their own way engaging with whānau, providing the conditions for whānau to strive and thrive on their terms based on their notions of wellbeing and success, allowing whānau to be the architects of their futures.

How could I not consider that I am in a privileged position, and we get to do this every day.  The unique commissioning approach of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu and the social impact achieved by direct whānau investment will continue this year. We know that Whānau Ora works. We have world-leading research and evaluations that tell us so and we are fierce in our advocacy in this space. I am grateful to be surrounded by amazing kaimahi who go above and beyond to do all that they can to serve whānau and we look forward to the future with hope.

Most importantly, I am in awe of the amazing whānau who continue to inspire us every day. Thank you for taking us on your journey.

There is still much work to be done, and new challenges to meet, but today, we can be proud. Proud of the whānau, hapū and iwi, our partners, all those who have led kaupapa that have created real change in their hāpori, who represent the essence of Whānau Ora.

I hope as many of you as possible will join celebrations happening this weekend in Whakatū, Wairau, Te Tai Poutini, Waihōpai and Ōtākou and take a moment to reflect on all you have achieved.

Tēnei te mihi a te ngākau ki a koutou katoa. Kā mihi o Te Rā Whakanui.

Ivy

Tā Mark Solomon and Amoroa (Molly) Luke were instrumental in bringing the nine iwi together to form the Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu in 2014. THey are pictured at Ngā Hau E Whā Marae in Ōtautahi at the first of six regional Whānau Day celebrations. Photo: Jemma Mitchell Photography