Hui
Karangi Mai
Every two years the karanga goes out, calling all Pathways people to come together for a three-day hui to shape our future direction.
This forum was created, in particular, to give Maori a voice where tangata whaiora and whanau from across the country could influence the direction of Pathways’ services. Of course it’s also a time to celebrate and relax. The Marae setting provides a supportive environment for everyone to share their views - through formal oratory on the paepae and informal korero over kai.
Each of Pathways regions has the opportunity to organise and host the hui, alongside local iwi. So far it’s been held places such as Kawhia, Taupo, Ratana and Wellington. Kaumatua and Kuia affiliated to each of Pathways regional offices are the kaitiaki (guardians) of the hui – representing Pathways at the powhiri, guiding the organisation on marae kawa, and again representing Pathways at the poroporoaki.
Sharing ideas, stories and goals
When everyone, including tangata whaiora, whanau, Pathways employees, managers and trustees, comes together in the safety of the marae setting, they are able to step outside their usual roles to share ideas and aspirations. Key stakeholders from funding and planning agencies and senior politicians within the health sector also attend the hui. This provides a unique opportunity to air opinions or concerns about current issues and government policy.
Tapu Te Ranga Marae - Wellington
Most recently about 160 people converged on Tapu Te Ranga Marae in Wellington for the Pathways Hui in March 2007. It firmly illustrated Pathways’ core values of harmony and inclusiveness, with the Pathways team, board members, people who use our services and their families working as one.
The hui focused four key areas:
- Making a Difference.
- Wellness for Life.
- Absolutely Positively Community.
- How to Positively Influence Change.
The strongest message to come out of the hui was that people want their stories to be heard, to know that we’re listening to what they have to say. At the heart of this is respecting the individual and their hopes and dreams. This is strongly aligned to Pathways’ focus on individual outcomes and our belief that one size doesn’t fit all.
Everyone at the hui left feeling energised, with a shared sense of joining together and a firm reminder that the Pathways spirit is alive and well.
