Te Tauraki releases Māori-led health monitoring framework

Te Tauraki, the Iwi Māori Partnership Board within the Ngāi Tahu takiwā has published its 2025 Monitoring Report.

The report represents a significant milestone in Māori health monitoring, establishing a kaupapa Māori framework designed to drive meaningful health system transformation for whānau Māori across the Ngāi Tahu takiwā. 

Combining robust data analysis with whānau voice, the report creates what Te Tauraki describes as "a new kind of accountability, one grounded in values, community voice, and a full cycle of care." 

Te Tauraki Board member Dr Maira Patu says the monitoring is not just a technical exercise, but one that reflects whakapapa, whenua, and wellbeing. 

She says the framework applies Māori-centred methodologies across the complete health journey, from prevention to outcomes. It establishes clear baselines and indicators designed to surface disparities and support change. 

While the report documents ongoing health disparities – including higher cancer mortality rates (66.1 per 100,000 Māori individuals versus 52.8 for non-Māori) and cardiovascular disease impacts – Te Tauraki positions these findings as a foundation for targeted action rather than simply documenting problems. 

The organisation notes particular concern for wāhine Māori, who experience elevated rates across multiple health areas but often receive limited attention in mainstream health messaging. 

Te Tauraki has navigated significant challenges in accessing current health data but says Dr Patu: “Rather than allowing these barriers to halt progress, we have developed alternative data partnerships with agencies including Statistics New Zealand and ACC while advocating for improved access.” 

She says timely, transparent data is vital, not just to track progress, but to support culturally grounded solutions. 

“We are committed to enhancing monitoring systems, deepening whānau engagement, and advocating for fair and equitable distribution of resources,” Dr Patu says. 

"Our vision is clear. We want a future in which Māori live longer, healthier lives. To achieve that, we need a system that understands, reflects, and responds to Māori needs." 

Read the full report here.

About Te Tauraki: 
Te Tauraki Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, operating as the Iwi Māori Partnership Board within the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā and functioning as a Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency. Te Tauraki has a mandate to advance Ngāi Tahu health and wellbeing aspirations, providing statutory voice and accountability in health system design, priority setting, and monitoring.