Thursday 31 March, 2016
Whanau Tahi a finalist in Hi-Tech awards
Last night, at simultaneous events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, Whanau Tahi was announced as a finalist in
the 2016 New Zealand Hi-Tech awards.
Whanau Tahi is one of six finalists in the new Maori Innovation category, sponsored by Callaghan Innovation. A record 22
organisations submitted entries into the new award category.
Stephen Keung, CEO of the software company, said this was great acknowledgement for his team, but also recognition for
the vision of its parent organisation, Waipareira Trust and its CEO John Tamihere.
“Waipareira realised very early on that methods of delivering social services were not working and that technology could
help enable positive change,” Stephen said.
In 2009, Waipareira sought a technology solution but found none that was informed by their deep knowledge of the social
services sector and whānau needs. So they started their own software solutions company, Whanau Tahi, and built their own
system: Whānau Tahi Navigator.
The technology has been developed entirely around patient or whānau needs. That concept is revolutionary in Aotearoa and
globally – other systems focus on funder needs or resolving one issue, e.g. diabetes. Whanau Tahi Navigator effectively
puts whanau in the driver’s seat of their own health and social services plan. Ownership of that plan means that
outcomes improve, i.e. reducing recidivism or huge reductions in presentations to emergency departments. For frontline
kaimahi (case workers), the software vastly reduces admin and paperwork, meaning more time to spend with clients.
“John Tamihere has been staunch in the knowledge that Maori hold the key to solving issues, “said Stephen. “This
accolade proves that.”
Started in 1994, the NZ Hi-Tech Awards are one of the technology sector’s most sought-after accolades, awarded to the
country’s most successful high-tech companies, and highest achieving individuals.
“We are now supplying our technology and consultancy services to a growing list of organisations both in Aotearoa and
globally. We have seen that indigenous and vulnerable communities face similar challenges, whether they are located in
Rotorua, Sydney Australia or Atlanta Georgia. We can address those challenges better than other health technology
providers.” Stephen said.
For more information on Whanau Tahi go to www.whanautahi.com for more information about its parent company go to
www.waipareira.com
ends