Whānau Evening with Te Whatu Ora empowers families with health tools and advice

Whānau and tamariki enjoying the July Whānau Evening at Porirua Whānau Centre.

Families from across the community gathered at Porirua Whānau Centre in July for a special Whānau Evening with Te Whatu Ora, focused on everyday health and wellbeing.

The event was designed to connect parents and caregivers with health professionals in an informal and welcoming setting to provide practical support for some of the most common concerns faced by local whānau.

Head lice, cold and flu symptoms, and access to affordable healthcare were among the key topics discussed, with Te Whatu Ora staff offering tailored advice and handing out dental packs, brochures, and pamphlets.

Whānau were also introduced to support pathways like the school nurse system, which can help reduce wait times and avoid some of the cost involved in visiting a GP.

“A lot of our whānau either can’t get into the doctor quickly or face cost barriers when they do,” says Anu Isaako, Whānau Centre kaiako.

“There are over-the-counter options available, but they’re often expensive. This evening was about giving people the knowledge to navigate the system more confidently.”

The event also gave tamariki of the Porirua Whānau Centre Childcare a chance to shine.

The children performed a cultural waiata to open the evening, helping draw in a full crowd and setting a celebratory tone for the night.

“Most of the families were there to see the kids perform, and that made it a great chance to engage them in these important conversations,” Anu says.

In addition to the health kōrero, the Whānau Evening became a two-way street.

The ECE team collected feedback from parents about their goals for their children, with suggestions like better visibility of sleep and meal routines, more cultural representation, and a stronger emphasis on sports.

As a result, the Whānau Centre has begun adapting its curriculum.

“We moved our sleep and meal charts to the Storypark app so parents can see them in real time,” says Any.

“And we’re reviewing our philosophy to make sure it aligns with what whānau value for their tamariki.”

While head lice and sniffles may still make their rounds, Anu says the Whānau Centre hopes evenings like this can make a lasting difference.

“When families feel informed and supported, everyone benefits.”