Exploring the Whanau Ora Policy for Pacific health Promotion

“..It seems to me, that sometimes we spend so much energy in dividing ourselves up, that we forget about what connects us together. I am more interested in celebrating our distinctive differences; embracing that which makes us unique. That is why I believe Whanau Ora has the potential to work in so many different ways - with Maori, with Pasifika, with any community who places value on the collective will to care for our own.”

- Hon Tariana Turia, Minister for Whanau Ora, opening address, symposium of the Health Promotion Forum, July 1, 2010, Wellington

“Health promotion strategies and programmes should be adapted to the local needs and possibilities of individual countries and regions to take into account differing social, cultural and economic systems.” –World Health Organization, Ottawa Charter, 1986

This workshop will explore the opportunities and challenges that the Whanau Ora Policy might bring to Pacific health promoters and Pacific health and social service providers.

Facilitators: Sione Tu’itahi

Sione is Deputy Executive Director and Workforce Development & Communications Manager, Health Promotion Forum of New Zealand. The first Pacific Manager of the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, Sione has also led community development initiatives and research on Pacific health issues. As an educator and strategic planner, he led the Pacific capacity building at Massey University over the last ten years.

Dr. Ieti Lima

Ieti is Senior Health Promotion Strategist – Pacific at the Health Promotion Forum. He is also a Senior Researcher on the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs-led multi-government agency research project “Mobilising Pacific Communities Wealth.”

Panel to Lead the Workshop

A panel of senior health workers will the discussion. Participants are most welcomed to actively engage in the dialogue.

Workshop Objectives

• To increase your understanding of the Whanau Ora Policy
• To identify strategies on managing the opportunities and challenges that the Whanau Ora policy might bring in order to advance the health and wellbeing of Pacific peoples

Learning Outcomes

As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to demonstrate

• understanding of the Whanau Ora Policy
• at least two strategies on managing the policy for the health and wellbeing of Pacific peoples