It symbolises the convergence of many rivers and the idea that we can accomplish more for the well-being of whānau in Te Waipounamu by uniting our efforts.

Kaimahi of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu are organised into eight teams that support whānau at different stages of their Whānau Ora journeys. These teams are called Kā Ora, Hao Ora, Mauri Ora, Whiti Ora, Tangata Ora, Wai Ora, Mana Ora and Toi Ora  – and together they provide wrap around support to whānau in Te Waipounamu. Scroll down to learn more about each team. If you hover the mouse over our kaimahi you might get a better understanding of what it means to them to work here.

Ivy Harper

Pouārahi - Chief Executive

Ivy is passionate about whānau wellbeing and firmly believes in the transformational power of Whānau Ora. She is an established and well-respected leader at Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, with a deep understanding of the agency. Prior to her appointment as Pouārahi in August 2022, Ivy worked across a wide range of workstreams, facilitating effective relationships and processes, both internally and externally.

Ivy is a strong and effective communicator, whose focus is collaborative problem-solving in order to achieve collective goals and outcomes. She has extensive strategic and operational leadership experience in government, ministerial, and non-government agencies. She has expertise in policy matters and issues, with a particular focus on Māori development and has contributed to national policy changes for significant pieces of legislation including the Parental Leave Act, Oranga Tamariki Act, Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori Language Act 2016 and the Resource Management Act 1991.

Our People

Te Kapa

Josephine (Jose) Apiata
KĀ ORA
Josephine (Jose) Apiata
Finance Assistant
Islay Hurrell
KĀ ORA
Islay Hurrell
Executive Assistant to Pouārahi and GPL Board Secretariat

Working for Whānau Ora couldn’t be more rewarding. I appreciate all the opportunities Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu provides me.

Anastasia Hapuku Anastasia Hapuku
KĀ ORA
Anastasia Hapuku
Reception and kaupapa support

I love working here because I know whānau is important to everyone who works here

Jason Lee Jason Lee
KĀ ORA
Jason Lee
Finance Manager

It is a privilege to learn more about the culture and language. And contribute in some small way to this organisation’s success

Ati (Tauatii) Vili Ati (Tauatii) Vili
KĀ ORA
Ati (Tauatii) Vili
Operations Manager

I’ve worked at a lot of corporate organisations and many big companies, and now I want to give back. For me, it is about working for an organisation that is helping whānau directly.

Whānau Ora History

Te Hītori o Whānau Ora

Whānau Ora approach puts whānau at the centre of change

Whānau Ora is a Māori approach to delivering social and health services to whānau, created to address systemic inequities that have resulted in poorer outcomes for Māori. The Whānau Ora approach puts whānau at the centre of change and supports them to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.

Read more about Whānau Ora

Whānau Ora in Te Waipounamu

Te Pūtahitanga

Contact Us Today

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