On July 1, MidCentral District Health Board become Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral as part of the New Zealand health reforms.
The name Te Whatu Ora, was gifted to us by an expert advisory group, headed by pou tikanga Rahui Papa. We have also retained our gifted name of Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua for MidCentral.
Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness’. Though there can be other conceptual interpretations of the name, one context for Te Whatu Ora is found in the weaving of culture – bringing two or more strands together to weave a basket; a basket of life.
In the weaving tradition, the whatu is the weaving process that brings together the aho (horizontal thread) and whenu (vertical thread). Te Whatu Ora is the combining together of people, resources, organisations, thoughts and actions for the betterment and wellbeing of all.
We’re still the same team, serving the same community.
Aside from our new name, you will start to see gradual changes from today. It will not change who your GP or health provider is, or your ability to go to your local hospital or specialist appointment.
Why was the name changed?
On 1 July 2022 Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand and Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority became Aotearoa’s new national health authorities. The MidCentral District Health Board was disestablished on June 30. The new entities have their own governance boards who will manage operations.
Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority are committed to delivering a health system that is simpler and more coordinated, allowing for better and more consistent care to support all New Zealanders to live longer and have the best possible quality of life.
For information about the governance of Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand and Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority please visit their websites
hnz.govt.nz or
mha.govt.nz.