August 19, 2009

Kaumatua Hui Held in Greymouth

A health and wellness hui for Kaumatua was held at Shantytown in Greymouth on Saturday 8 August, with approximately 50 Kaumatua from all over the West Coast in attendance.

The purpose of the Hui was to discuss Maori health issues with Kaumatua, and to provide feedback regarding key findings from the West Coast - Te Tai O Poutini Maori Health Profile 2008 and a Kaumatua Health and Wellness survey undertaken by Marie Mahuika-Forsyth (Healthy Eating Health Action (HEHA) Coordinator.

111 Kaumatua were interviewed kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) and provided valuable data regarding their nutritional intake and physical activity, the barriers they face to achieving a healthy diet and becoming more physically active, as well as discussing health goals and various health initiatives to reduce the incidence of accidental injury.

Gary Coghlan, General Manager Maori Health, West Coast District Health Board gave a presentation to Kaumatua on Te Whare Tapa Wha and Te Tai O Poutini Maori Health Profile (Maori Health Needs Assessment). This was followed by a presentation given by Marie Mahuika-Forsyth regarding the results and feedback of the Kaumatua survey.

Workshops at the hui provided Kaumatua with an opportunity to identify initiatives within their own regions that will enable them to better access health services and to participate in physical activity.

Overall, this hui was a positive opportunity for Kaumatua to meet with other Kaumatua for whakawhanaungatanga, to korero about health goals for Kaumatua, and for the District Health Board to consult with Kaumatua about Maori health in Te Tai O Poutini.

For more information please contact

Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: