To develop a social and physical environment that improves and protects the health of communities and groups, where the social environment may include political, economic, social and cultural factors and structures.

To support a sector-wide approach to support social environment initiatives in Kaikohe

To use broader determinants of health approaches including community action and community development to improve and protect community health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities in the Kaikohe area

To continue to develop and support a strengthened Kaikohe community with imporved awareness of health need and collective ownership of social environment initiatives by sharing evidence-based information and strategies and encouraging strategic action on these at local levels

The Take Ngakau Project was established under the auspices of  Te Hau Ora O Kaikohe as the provider agency and the Tihewa Mauriora Trust (PHO)  as contract holders to the Ministry of Health.

The name “Take Ngakau” was given for the project by a local Ngapuhi Kaumatua with the thought behind this name being that the project was for the people of Kaikohe and Kaikohe being acknowledged as being the centre or heart of the Ngapuhi people.  (Ngakau – Heart)

The projects purpose is to address broader health determinants of the Kaikohe Community (Take – issues) in translation of this concept Take Ngakau means “Issues of the heart”.

Tena Koutou katoa - I have worked in the team for 7 years, and now lead our team in working in our Kaikohe Community supporting the well being of the people.  I enjoy this mahi the networks which service our community.                  For information contact nancyk@thook.co.nz or Nancy Kelleher on 09-405 2647

This newsletter is published bi-monthly with community news, what generally is happening within our community of Kaikohe, with pictures of events and the people who are involved.  Health care, and health issues are also shared.  Local agencies, organisations or community people are welcome to add their news by contacting us. 

This annual event was held in February of this year with more participants from the community of Kaikohe and many from out of our area.  This event is specifically for women to educate, inform and pamper women to encourage them to take better care of themselves.  The local newspaper reported the day with coloured pictures of women with 'less stress, better health aim of women's day'.  This year included Herbal Company, beautitians, massage, reflexology, nutritionist, weavers, Plunket Society, Cervical Screening group, Pacific Island Women, Asthma, Women's Refuge, Broadway Health Nurses, Ngapuhi Iwi Social Services (HIPPY) programme, Consultation and councelling services for Women and children and many more.  The atmosphere of the day was one of celebrating being women and well being. 

Monthly we are able to update through the air waves what is happening within our community  concerning the health issues of the community and national issues.  Presently RHEUMATIC FEVER is a hot top.  Listen in to Radio Tautoko.

To attend / participate in fortnightly meetings which will be held in 1 Raihara Street at 10am, upstairs in the conference room and or consultancy room at Broadway Heath Centre. 

The Group will:

• share personal stories
•  invite Professional speakers
• invite other agencies
• share information and resources
• answer any questions relating to diabetes

The Take Ngakau team will continue to support the group in administration and advisory capacities and will evaluate and monitor the level of support needed to establish itself. 

The Ministry of Health and the Rongoa Maori Advisory Group organised four regional hui to consider a national rongoa body.  The four hui were:

• Kaikohe, 14 September 2007 and 4th October 2007
• Whanganui, 17 September 2007
• Rotorua, 21 September 2007
• Christchurch, 5 October 2007

Each hui covered a lot of groun d in a short time period.  Key questions at each hui were:

He aha o whakaaro mo te Taumata Roopu / What and how should a Taumata Roopu be represented?

Pehea tou whakaaro / What should a national body look like?

What are the concerns and risks involved with a national body?

Where to now?

All korero from the four hui will be presented for further discussions at a 2 day National Hui, 22nd 23rd November 2007 held at Pehiawiri Marae Whangarei.

REPORT ON NATIONAL HUI

Agreed Outcomes:

Kei te tautoko ki a tu tetahi roopu kaitiaki o te rongoa.  General concensus from the hui to establish a Rongoa Roopu Taumata / National Rongoa Body.

The current Rongoa Maori Advisory Group will stay in place as a interim group until the taumata roopu is established, with a possible addition of new members

The Advisory group will meet and further discuss the draft timetable and draft terms of reference based on 'values' suggested at the hui

Action will begin immediately in accordance with the draft timetable.

Operate at a political level to represent and advocate for Rongoa Maori

Receive guidance from kaumatua and kuia

Have a clear relationship with Rongoa bodies representing regions or hapu or iwi, and ensure successful communication throughout

Define Rongoa broadly and comprehensively, to ensure that its meaning cannot be narrowed later on by the processes of bureaucracy, and to allow the national body to speak on a wide range of related issues.