In late April the community came together once again at Waiwhetū Marae to learn about developments in work and design for the new service.
“It was a great privilege to be invited,” says Dee. “It was a beautiful event, supported by many people who helped to get us to this point.”
Representatives from Waiwhetū Marae, Wainuiomata Marae, Te Kakano o te Aroha Marae, Te Rūnanganui o Te Ātiawa, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Downtown Community Ministry, Hutt Union Community Health Services, Ngā Tekau Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Kohanga Reo, Te Ara Poutama, Ministry of Social Development, Hutt City Council, Ministry of Education and Kainga Ora were present on the day and the floor was open for discussion.
Joining them were MHAIDS staff and senior leaders including Executive Clinical Director Paul Oxnam, and local commissioning kaimahi. This offered an important opportunity for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora to hear directly from the community.
“The kaupapa has been informed by the immediate need of the community, and we are trying to include as many services as possible in the conversation,” says Dee. “Every single person in the wharenui wanted the same thing - wanted better outcomes for our whānau and our community.
“There was a lot of open feedback, positive conversation, and people sharing what they are seeing in their communities, hapu, and families. This will be used to further inform planning for the service.”
Sharing kai afterwards offered opportunities to form valuable new connections between people, services, and organisations.
“This was the true value of our hui that day - the connections that were made, and we have already seen some services working more closely together as a result, “says Dee. “People were able to connect about their hopes and dreams – the things they want to see in the future and the things they feel passionate about improving.”
Learn more about the kaupapa and next steps for the service here.
