Tēnā koutou katoa

It is with manaakitanga that we welcome you to Ahi Kā, the Te Ao Māori Hub at Rural WONCA 2026. This space has been created with our local and global conference attendees in mind. It is a place and time where relationships form, understanding builds and shared learning can grow minds and hearts.

The Hub reflects our commitment to hauora Māori and to the aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi living in rural communities. We invite you to enter with openness and curiosity, to listen, to learn, and to engage in meaningful kōrero that strengthens our collective journey toward equity and wellbeing.

Nau mai, haere mai – we look forward to welcoming you and hearing your stories.

- Margareth Broodkoorn, Chair Te Rōpū Ārahi & Tania Chamberlain, Chair Whānau Whānui

Hauora Māori is a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, grounded in te ao Māori and encompassing the physical, mental, spiritual, whānau and environmental dimensions of life. Rather than focusing solely on illness, hauora Māori recognises the interconnectedness of people, place and identity, and the importance of balance across all aspects of wellbeing.

For rural Māori communities, hauora Māori is especially significant. Access to services, connection to whenua, and the strength of whānau and community networks all play a critical role in health outcomes. Rural settings often amplify both the challenges and the strengths experienced by Māori, making culturally grounded, locally responsive models of care essential.

Across Aotearoa, hauora Māori principles are increasingly being integrated into general practice, primary care and wider health professions. This includes whānau-centred models of care, the use of tikanga and te reo Māori in clinical environments, and a growing focus on equity, partnership and tino rangatiratanga within health systems.

At Rural WONCA 2026, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with hauora Māori through the Te Ao Māori Hub and the wider conference programme. This includes keynote and workshop sessions delivered by leaders in the field, such as Dr Diane and Mark Kopua, alongside opportunities to observe, listen and participate in culturally informed experiences within the Hub itself.

The Ahi Kā logo is a visual expression of manaakitanga, kotahitanga, and the collective strength of hauora Māori. Inspired by the korowai designed by Whaea Kamiria (Kim) Gosman, the design reflects the natural world and the Hub’s purpose as a place where relationships, knowledge, and wellbeing are woven together.

A korowai is a garment of prestige, protection, and honour, symbolising care — he korowai manaaki. This reflects the Māori Hub’s role as a supportive and protective space for Māori stakeholders, ensuring Māori voices, leadership, and aspirations are upheld.

The design draws directly from Kim’s korowai, with weaving patterns representing the many strands that come together in rural health — iwi, communities, clinicians, rōpū, and partners. Just as a korowai gains strength from every thread, the Hub is strengthened by each contributor.

The colour palette incorporates a pāua-inspired motif, representing the eyes of Tangaroa, the god of the sea. Its colours hold meaning: blue for peace and connection to water, green for growth and natural harmony, and purple for spiritual awareness. Surrounding blues and teals reflect the moana, symbolising movement, journeys, and connection across distance.

Feather-like shapes echo the plumage of native manu, symbolising prestige, guidance, protection, and connection across regions.

Together, these elements express the Māori Hub’s purpose: supporting, strengthening, and championing hauora Māori across the rural sector.

If you would like to explore hauora Māori and mātauranga Māori further, the following resources provide trusted and accessible starting points:

• Tātai Whetū – Access our free educational resource produced by Hauora Taiwhenua to guide and inform you in tikanga Māori: www.kiwadigital.com/projects/tatai-whetu/
• Te Papa Tongarewa – Māori culture, taonga and stories: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz
• Ministry of Health – Māori health resources – official information on policy, strategies and initiatives guiding hauora Māori: https://www.health.govt.nz/maori-health/
• Pae Tū: Hauora Māori Strategy – the current strategic framework guiding hauora Māori within the health system: https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/pae-tu-hauora-maori-strategy

Kia Ora Hauora – a Māori health workforce development programme that supports Māori into health careers: https://www.kiaorahauora.co.nz/