Capturing the voices of whānau is a responsibility that goes beyond simply writing thoughts on post-it notes; it’s about preserving the essence of their lived experiences, values, and perspectives. This process unveils stories that hold deep insights into their whakapapa, intergenerational wisdom, and resilience.
While the opportunities for connection are numerous, fast, and often convenient, we still prioritise kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) engagements, with a strong investment in long-term whanaungatanga.
“I'm seeing a full array of how people are choosing to gather Whānau Voice from surveys to interviewing and transcribing, to what I would call traditional methods of research. I do not think that's what we need to be doing in a new health system when we have a history of research that has not always represented our own people well.” (Mataiwhetu, Te Oranganui, Wheturangi Walsh-Tapiata)
Whānau-centric principles, such as manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, tino rangatiratanga, mana, and ako help to foster an environment where whānau are empowered, barriers to participation are removed, and meaningful relationships are established. Co-design, rooted in these culturally significant practices, naturally creates mutual trust, shared learning, and balanced power dynamics, allowing whānau to take an active role in shaping the process. This alignment between co-design and whānau values strengthens the process, creating a space where whānau are recognised as experts in their lives and fully engaged in decision-making.
“When we're working through what we know as a Māori, it's always inclusive. Ahakoa kō wai koe, ahakoa no hea koe. No matter who you are, you will be valued. Your kōrero is going to be valued. You will be asked questions, to voice your opinions, and that's probably the easiest way that we can awhi and support other cultures into our place. And I think back to that kōrero, “what works for all doesn't necessarily work for Māori, but what works for Māori will work for all”.” (Whānau Voice)
These are the untold stories of capturing whānau voice, where whānau are confronted with coming to the realisation that “I am not alone after all” or “others go through the same challenges” and then given another platform to dream and bring their aspirations to fruition. The untold stories of their investment in whanaungatanga with each other as well as our continual investment in building and strengthening our whanaungatanga with all communities, this is not limited to people alone but also includes, the whenua, maunga, awa and moana.
The Value of Community Voice
Last week, we connected with Māmā and Pāpā who have been integral to the Hapū Māmā Village journey. Their contributions have significantly shaped the Hapū Māmā Village Insights and Recommendations Report and the development of Te Whare Piringa.
“Te Whare Piringa and the Hapū Māma Village has really helped grow my confidence, to trust my inner māmā intuition, as a Māori, as a māmā, and as a wāhine. I'm listening to all these other experiences from other māmā and then the doubt is leaving me like, oh no, I was right. Oh no, I was okay, to feel how I was feeling at the time. Remember that our babies are at the forefront, so everything we do will be for them and for their future.” (Māmā Voice)
“That's the beauty of it. It helps us see clearer, and it's given us these tools and this confidence, giving the mana back to you, showing you that when you go to these forums, your voice does matter.” (Pāpā Voice)
Whānau have also expressed their joy of not only sharing in this space but also seeing their aspirations realised.
“I think it's cool to see the progress of like, oh here's a little idea, actually it's now growing into this big idea, how about we keep working on it, and then here we are in Te Whare Piringa like it's going to turn into this huge thing that's going to give back to so many people, I think it gives to us as much as it will give to others, being able to do that and just seeing it come to fruition is exciting and makes me want to do a little happy dance.” (Māmā Voice)
When whānau shape their own futures, everyone benefits. Capturing whānau voice is not about a top-down approach; it’s about recognising that there is valuable knowledge to be shared across all levels.
Whanaungatanga is vital
During a recent visit to Ohakune, the iwi of Ngāti Rangi welcomed us to Maungarongo Marae with a pōhiri. This wasn’t just a greeting; it was an invitation to connect more deeply with the land and its people.
As the call rang out on the marae and our kaikorero spoke, the connection to the land and each other deepened. The marae provided a sacred space for wānanga, where stories of whakapapa and history were shared. These stories are a collective treasure, revealing the resilience and wisdom of whānau.
Healthy Families Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu with Ngāti Rangi at Maungarongo Marae, sitting within in Tikaraina Ringapoto.
In today’s world, where convenience often takes precedence, it’s important to remember that quality and depth matter. Giving voice to whānau also means listening to our environment. We find ourselves asking, "What is our taiao saying? What does mātauranga Māori reveal?" Indigenous knowledge systems guide us, helping us align our actions with the values and aspirations of the community.
A visit to a wāhi tapu known to Ngāti Rangi, despite the challenging weather, offered a moment of connection to the land that went beyond the physical—it was a spiritual and emotional bond. Such experiences are a reminder that the land, too, has a voice that deserves to be heard and honoured.
As our team grows, we recognise the importance of coming together to strengthen our bonds. Just as the awa connects us to the mountain, we believe there is a river that connects us all. Time spent together in reflection and renewal helps to clear obstacles and rejuvenate our collective strength, reinforcing our commitment to walking this path alongside the communities we serve.
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