Embracing Equity in Healthcare: A Collaborative Journey with Te Whatu Ora and Reo Māori Mai

In a groundbreaking initiative, Te Whatu Ora and Reo Māori Mai have joined forces to deliver a professional development program centered around equity in healthcare. This program is more than just training—it’s a dedicated effort to foster a culture of inclusiveness and continuous improvement within healthcare, ensuring services meet the unique needs of Māori and rural communities.

This Equity Professional Development initiative offers a significant opportunity for kaimahi (staff) to connect with a supportive network focused on understanding and tackling the barriers to equitable health outcomes across Te Tai Poutini. With a blend of in-depth learning and hands-on application, this program empowers healthcare professionals to lead system design changes that prioritize whānau-centered, culturally appropriate, and effective care.

Over several months, participants will gain essential insights and skills, including:

- Understanding Barriers to Equity: Participants will deepen their awareness of the obstacles Māori and rural whānau face in accessing equitable healthcare, enabling them to develop strategies to address these challenges effectively.

- Empowered Equity Conversations: With newfound confidence, participants will engage in constructive discussions on equity with their teams and leadership, fostering meaningful and lasting change.

- Supportive Network of Kaimahi: This program creates a network of like-minded kaimahi dedicated to building a more inclusive and impactful healthcare system for whānau, uniting their efforts and amplifying their impact.

Through this collaborative journey, Te Whatu Ora and Reo Māori Mai are championing a future where healthcare in Te Tai Poutini is grounded in cultural integrity, inclusivity, and equity, with the voices and needs of whānau at the forefront. Together, we are paving the way for a healthcare system that honors and uplifts the community it serves.