Latest news with #HāpaiTeHauora
Scoop
21-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Pātea: A World-First Māori Gambling Harm Digital Platform Launches Across Aotearoa
Aotearoa is leading the world in gambling harm innovation with the launch of Pātea - a groundbreaking digital platform designed by Māori, for Māori, to help free whānau from the burdens of gambling harm. Pātea, meaning to be free or lifted of burden, is an indigenously designed, built, and operated digital platform, the first of its kind globally. It was co-designed with whānau who have lived experience of gambling harm, ensuring every part of the app feels supportive, culturally grounded, and whānau friendly. Morris Pita, CEO of the Māori-owned and operated software firm Tai Pari Mōhio Ltd, is excited by the impact of digital technology as a tool to reduce gambling harm. "It has been an incredible experience for our tech and data science team to take their unique blend of technical and cultural skills, and use these to build a state-of-the-art cloud platform and application - deploying agentic AI to deliver 24/7 online support to whānau suffering from the impact of gambling harm." With the rapid rise of online gambling and digital casinos, whānau are being targeted like never before. Māori communities, already disproportionately affected by gambling harm, are particularly at risk. "We see the harm gambling has every day in our communities," says Jason Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Hāpai Te Hauora. "The environment is changing fast, and we need new tools that meet whānau where they're at. Pātea is one of those tools. A safe, judgement free space to pause, reflect, and find support." Pātea was created by three Māori-led organisations - Hāpai Te Hauora, Whare Tiaki Hauora, and Tai Pari Mōhio - combining over 60 years of expertise in public health, mental health, digital innovation, and whānau-led service design. Pātea offers features like: 24/7 generative AI chatbot - providing instant, culturally safe support Online counselling sessions - available for gamblers and their whānau Whānau testimonial videos - real voices sharing hope and strategies Self and whānau assessment tools - to identify when help is needed Links to local services and app-blocking tools Accessible, easy-to-read information on gambling harm "This isn't just another platform. It's a digital extension of kaupapa Māori care, designed with the people we serve, not just for them," says Alexander.
Scoop
29-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Wai July Launches: Tāne Māori Encouraged To Go Alcohol-Free This July
Hāpai Te Hauora has launched Wai July, a new kaupapa calling on tāne Māori to go alcohol-free for the month of July. The challenge invites tāne to press pause on waipiro, reflect on how it shows up in their lives, and choose wai (water) instead, all while backing their bros and reclaiming their hauora. "This isn't just about going alcohol free. It's about creating a supportive space for tāne to choose themselves, back their mates, and reflect on the role alcohol plays in their lives," says Jessikha Makoare, General Manager at Hāpai Te Hauora. Wai July was created in response to the ongoing impacts of alcohol harm in Māori communities. Māori men continue to be overrepresented in alcohol-related harm statistics, from long-term health conditions to whānau violence and mental distress. This kaupapa offers a chance to reset, with support, accountability and brotherhood at the center. Tāne can sign up as an individual or join as a group. All participants will receive support throughout the month, with fresh content, ambassador kōrero and free Wai July merch. One of this year's ambassadors, Chaz Brown (Ngāti Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga, Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Kahu), is the owner of Wai Ora Sports Recovery & Wellness based in New Lynn, Tāmaki Makaurau. "This is more than cutting out the drink. It's about showing discipline, backing each other, and honouring our hauora across tinana, hinengaro and wairua," says Brown. "Whether you're doing this to reset, show leadership, or just support the kaupapa, it's another step in levelling up together." Throughout July, Chaz will also be hosting Sunday Morning Sessions in Tāmaki Makaurau to keep his community connected. These include run clubs, recovery sessions, mobility work and kōrero over coffee. "No drink, just discipline. Whether you're here for the grind, the connection, or the clarity, this is our space to refocus and move with intention."
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata: Hāpai Te Hauora Responds To Budget 2025
Press Release – Hapai Te Hauora Finance Minister Nicola Willis promised no lolly scramble; but somehow, the sweet stuff still landed in boardrooms and business accounts, while the pantry stayed locked for whnau. Hāpai Te Hauora says Budget 2025 is not a Budget for whānau – it is a Budget for landlords, corporates, and cuts. Finance Minister Nicola Willis promised no lolly scramble; but somehow, the sweet stuff still landed in boardrooms and business accounts, while the pantry stayed locked for whānau. 'This Budget is a choice – and that choice is clear,' says Jacqui Harema, CEO of Hāpai Te Hauora. 'A choice to gut pay equity. A choice to ask rangatahi to prove their poverty. A choice to back the boardroom while gutting community support.' Businesses receive a 20% tax write-off on new assets. Meanwhile, whānau get 25-cent KiwiSaver contributions, tighter benefit rules, and income-tested child payments. 'A baby's best start now depends on a parent's payslip – that's not equity,' Harema says. The wealthy retain their capital gains. Yet rangatahi on Jobseeker now face new restrictions based on their parents' income. 'We're means-testing the vulnerable while letting privilege off the hook.' Health receives funding, but only just. Emergency departments remain overwhelmed. Nurses are still burning out. And while primary care sees a modest boost, there is no targeted investment in Māori health – and prevention is notably missing. 'If we want to reduce long-term costs and create better outcomes, we must fund prevention,' says Jason Alexander, COO of Hāpai. 'That means backing kaupapa Māori solutions before harm happens – not waiting until our people are in crisis.' Education receives $2.5 billion, but $614 million of that comes from scrapped initiatives. Programmes like Kāhui Ako are axed, and school lunches (Ka Ora, Ka Ako) are set to expire in 2026. 'You do not build brighter futures by cutting kai from classrooms,' says Harema. Tax cuts favour business, while low- to middle-income families receive just $14 more a fortnight under Working for Families tweaks – roughly the cost of a pack of nappies. This Budget did not prioritise Māori health, wellbeing, or equity. It disestablished Te Aka Whai Ora, clawed back unspent Māori housing funds, and continued the short-term funding cycle. Hāpai Te Hauora's Budget 2025 Wishlist included: Investment in Māori-led housing Protection of school lunch programmes Long-term contracts for Māori health services Increased income support and kaupapa Māori employment pathways Serious investment in prevention What we got instead were cuts, exclusions, and short-term gains. 'This is not the Budget for tamariki. Not for our mokopuna. Not for our taiao,' Harema says. 'Whānau deserve better.'
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata: Hāpai Te Hauora Responds To Budget 2025
Press Release – Hapai Te Hauora Finance Minister Nicola Willis promised no lolly scramble; but somehow, the sweet stuff still landed in boardrooms and business accounts, while the pantry stayed locked for whnau. Hāpai Te Hauora says Budget 2025 is not a Budget for whānau – it is a Budget for landlords, corporates, and cuts. Finance Minister Nicola Willis promised no lolly scramble; but somehow, the sweet stuff still landed in boardrooms and business accounts, while the pantry stayed locked for whānau. 'This Budget is a choice – and that choice is clear,' says Jacqui Harema, CEO of Hāpai Te Hauora. 'A choice to gut pay equity. A choice to ask rangatahi to prove their poverty. A choice to back the boardroom while gutting community support.' Businesses receive a 20% tax write-off on new assets. Meanwhile, whānau get 25-cent KiwiSaver contributions, tighter benefit rules, and income-tested child payments. 'A baby's best start now depends on a parent's payslip – that's not equity,' Harema says. The wealthy retain their capital gains. Yet rangatahi on Jobseeker now face new restrictions based on their parents' income. 'We're means-testing the vulnerable while letting privilege off the hook.' Health receives funding, but only just. Emergency departments remain overwhelmed. Nurses are still burning out. And while primary care sees a modest boost, there is no targeted investment in Māori health – and prevention is notably missing. 'If we want to reduce long-term costs and create better outcomes, we must fund prevention,' says Jason Alexander, COO of Hāpai. 'That means backing kaupapa Māori solutions before harm happens – not waiting until our people are in crisis.' Education receives $2.5 billion, but $614 million of that comes from scrapped initiatives. Programmes like Kāhui Ako are axed, and school lunches (Ka Ora, Ka Ako) are set to expire in 2026. 'You do not build brighter futures by cutting kai from classrooms,' says Harema. Tax cuts favour business, while low- to middle-income families receive just $14 more a fortnight under Working for Families tweaks – roughly the cost of a pack of nappies. This Budget did not prioritise Māori health, wellbeing, or equity. It disestablished Te Aka Whai Ora, clawed back unspent Māori housing funds, and continued the short-term funding cycle. Hāpai Te Hauora's Budget 2025 Wishlist included: Investment in Māori-led housing Protection of school lunch programmes Long-term contracts for Māori health services Increased income support and kaupapa Māori employment pathways Serious investment in prevention What we got instead were cuts, exclusions, and short-term gains. 'This is not the Budget for tamariki. Not for our mokopuna. Not for our taiao,' Harema says. 'Whānau deserve better.'
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata: Hāpai Te Hauora Responds To Budget 2025
Hāpai Te Hauora says Budget 2025 is not a Budget for whānau - it is a Budget for landlords, corporates, and cuts. Finance Minister Nicola Willis promised no lolly scramble; but somehow, the sweet stuff still landed in boardrooms and business accounts, while the pantry stayed locked for whānau. "This Budget is a choice - and that choice is clear," says Jacqui Harema, CEO of Hāpai Te Hauora. "A choice to gut pay equity. A choice to ask rangatahi to prove their poverty. A choice to back the boardroom while gutting community support." Businesses receive a 20% tax write-off on new assets. Meanwhile, whānau get 25-cent KiwiSaver contributions, tighter benefit rules, and income-tested child payments. "A baby's best start now depends on a parent's payslip - that's not equity," Harema says. The wealthy retain their capital gains. Yet rangatahi on Jobseeker now face new restrictions based on their parents' income. "We're means-testing the vulnerable while letting privilege off the hook." Health receives funding, but only just. Emergency departments remain overwhelmed. Nurses are still burning out. And while primary care sees a modest boost, there is no targeted investment in Māori health - and prevention is notably missing. "If we want to reduce long-term costs and create better outcomes, we must fund prevention," says Jason Alexander, COO of Hāpai. "That means backing kaupapa Māori solutions before harm happens - not waiting until our people are in crisis." Education receives $2.5 billion, but $614 million of that comes from scrapped initiatives. Programmes like Kāhui Ako are axed, and school lunches (Ka Ora, Ka Ako) are set to expire in 2026. "You do not build brighter futures by cutting kai from classrooms," says Harema. Tax cuts favour business, while low- to middle-income families receive just $14 more a fortnight under Working for Families tweaks - roughly the cost of a pack of nappies. This Budget did not prioritise Māori health, wellbeing, or equity. It disestablished Te Aka Whai Ora, clawed back unspent Māori housing funds, and continued the short-term funding cycle. Hāpai Te Hauora's Budget 2025 Wishlist included: What we got instead were cuts, exclusions, and short-term gains.
