Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand

On 1 July 2022 all District Health Boards became Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand.

There is an animation video you can watch which outlines the health system changes.

Te Whatu Ora is the overarching organisation responsible for New Zealand’s national health service, and will work closely with its partner Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority.

The reformed system will provide the platform for improved access to services and health outcomes.

Over time you will see the new brand and name appearing throughout our health services. Signage will be updated only when it needs replacing and we will use up the brochures and information sheets we have with our old name and branding before we update them.

When you call us, you will hear us use the new name, but don’t worry you have called the right place and we will look after you.

This is a very exciting time and we have chosen Te Matau a Māui- Hawke’s Bay as the name for our District to reflect and represent our community.

Here is what the names of the new entities mean and the relevance of the elements in the new look.

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand 

Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness’. Whatu is the combining together of people, resources, organisations, thoughts and actions for the betterment and wellbeing of all.

Whatu is also a direct reference to the pupil of the eye, and the vision required of the new entity and system.  

Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority 

Te Aka Whai Ora is a nod to the ancestral world and a firm vision towards a healthy future for all.

Te Aka is founded in the pūrākau (ancient legend) of Tāwhaki who endeavoured to seek ancestral knowledge.

Whai Ora is to pursue health, and likens the Māori Health Authority (and all its communities, whānau, and health providers) to Tāwhaki in seeking out ora or health and wellbeing.  

How to pronounce Te Whatu Ora

Te = as in ten (not ‘tay’) 

Wha = as in Fun 

Tu = two 

Ora = aura, but roll the ‘r’.

How to pronounce Te Aka Whai Ora

Te = as in ten (not ‘tay’) 

Aka = Ah-ka 

Whai = as in Fie 

Ora = aura but roll the ‘r’.

Our tohu (pattern) is inspired by our name. In the weaving tradition, the ‘whatu’ is the weaving process that brings together the aho (horizontal) and whenu (vertical) threads.

This tohu consists of a Tāniko (border pattern) at the top, which contains multiple symbols such as Pātiki/Pātikitiki (symbolises providing for all, abundance) and Waharua Kōpito (represents 'a point where people/events cross'). This design also represents three eyes, and the three baskets of knowledge.

Below the Tāniko are hanging strands, representing wellness reaching us all.