In 2014, the three-year Te Puawai o Te Ahi (TPoTAK) project was awarded funding through the MoH Māori Innovations Fund. A collaboration between Raetihi Pah and Te Oranganui Trust, the project aim was to strengthen the health and wellbeing of those whānau who maintain the Ahi Kaa to ensure the future sustainability of the paepae and marae. Whakauae was commissioned to complete the evaluation component of the innovation project. A general process and outcomes approach to the evaluation was taken underpinned by Kaupapa Māori methodology. The use of a Kaupapa Māori methodology reflects Whakauae’s commitment, as an iwi-owned research centre, to working with Māori communities in a way that resonates with Māori beliefs and traditions maintaining a focus on transparency, building purposeful and respectful relationships, recognising strengths and contributing to positive social change.
The evaluation identified that TPoTAK has contributed to empowering whānau to be proactive about understanding and managing their own health and that of their whānau. Whānau valued the time and effort that the project kaimahi had put into building social capital in the Raetihi Pah community. There is no doubt that the whakapapa links of the kaimahi, and their membership of the Raetihi community, were instrumental in the their successfully gaining community ‘buy in’ for the TPoTAK innovation. The Advisory Group, established to guide the project, proved to be indispensable. The Group sealed the working relationship between Raetihi Pah and Te Oranganui Trust, provided cultural oversight for the project and involved whānau in a role that would help prepare them for future involvement in service delivery contracting arrangements.
Increased positive health behaviours among whānau, highlighted by the evaluation, included participation in physical and nutrition related activities such as Tri-Māori, Zumba, boot-camps and the development of maara kai. In addition, networking by the project kaimahi produced valuable collaborations with other service providers. These collaborations have supported the delivery of health and wider social services to the Raetihi Pah community that better meet their needs in terms of both cultural relevance and accessibility.
Capability building was possible through the Health Research Council Independent Research Organisation Funding and was an important component of this project for both the whānau and the kaimahi. Increasing capability in the Māori health services workforce was demonstrated at many points throughout the project from workshops at whānau hui to upskilling and formal training sessions. In addition, kaimahi were supported to attend evaluation conferences and evaluation training workshops. In June 2017, funding for the project ceased however TPoTAK has supported Raetihi Pah whānau to develop further knowledge and skills to enhance their health and wellbeing.
