Kaiaua Hauora Day

A trip to Kaiaua to drop off donations to the marae inspired the idea of a community hauora day bringing health and community services together to benefit this small rural township.

This community event held in late April was made possible by Wharekawa Marae, Kaiaua School, and Te Whatu Ora, with Middlemore Foundation and the Robinhood Stars netball team.

The event provided a chance for people to connect with services and have a koorero with a range of health providers and community organisations.

Lyle Smith, Community Facilitator, Middlemore Foundation worked alongside Shona Patterson and Brittany McNeil from Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau to get this important mahi underway.

“After talking with the people in the rural community, we realised there was a need to bring health services together to support this community,” says Lyle.

“We needed to re-establish our commitment and obligation to continuous wellbeing of the community and ensure it is sustained.

“We asked the school principal what was needed for the tamariki and it was vision, hearing and dental services. We found out the community were asking for support and access to mental health and addiction services, especially following COVID-19.”

The day kicked off with a mussel opening competition, dived for by Lyle himself at his secret diving spot, to celebrate Kaiaua’s reputation of bountiful seafood.

Our Smokefree team was also there and said there was a great turnout during the day.

“We got to have koorero with a number of whaanau and we will also be supporting them on their smoke free journey,” says Kalolaine and Priyanka from the Smokefree team.

“Making the connections at the event provided that opportunity to create a relationship and offer our services - phone and face to face support, nicotine replacement therapy drops and smokerlyzer (carbon monoxide) readings.”

A good turnout made the mahi worthwhile and similar events are being planned.

Lyle.