Whānau Ora Implementation Gets Underway, expression of Interest Process & Regional Leadership Group Nominations Open

Two major processes that contribute to the implementation of Whānau Ora opened today, heralding what Governance Group chair Rob Cooper described as ‘a new era of whānau-centred services and initiatives led by families and communities around the country’.

The Whānau Ora Governance Group has called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible providers or provider collectives seeking to develop comprehensive whānau centred services; and is also seeking nominations to Regional Leadership Groups (RLGs) to lead strategic change for Whānau Ora in the regions.

To enable eligible providers and/or provider collectives to participate in Whānau Ora, Mr Cooper said two waves of implementation will occur.

“The first wave of providers must be able to demonstrate strong organisational capability and capacity. They must currently provide whānau centred services and have an immediate readiness to participate in Whānau Ora,” he said.

“The second wave will allow providers and/or provider collectives additional time to build connections with other providers in their regions to develop an EOI.”

The first wave EOI closes at 2pm on 7 July 2010 with final decisions known by 2 August 2010. The second wave EOI closes at 2pm on 2 August 2010 with final decisions known by 30 September 2010. Up to 20 providers or provider collectives are expected to be engaged in this round of Whānau Ora centred service provision from October 2010.

“The EOI process is an opportunity to reorient services to better meet the aspirations of whānau,” Mr Cooper said, “however the EOI is only one component of Whānau Ora, with whānau initiatives and whānau leadership also critical elements to achieving better results.”

Mr Cooper said Regional Leadership Groups would ensure that decisions about Whānau Ora occured as close as possible to local communities. “A regional leadership approach capitalises on the vast experience and capacity that exists within whānau and communities. It recognises that meeting whānau needs through whānau-centred service delivery is best led by those who live, experience and participate in this practice daily.”

“The open nominations process will allow communities to put forward suitably skilled and recognised leaders,” he explained. “Nominees will need to provide quality advice and show real commitment to advancing the well-being of whānau in their region. Relationship management skills and a wide range of whānau and community networks will be essential.”

The RLGs will comprise between three to seven community representatives appointed by the Minister Responsible for Whānau Ora, Hon Tariana Turia; and three officials from Te Puni Kōkiri, Ministry of Social Development and District Health Boards.

They will be established across ten regions based on the current Te Puni Kōkiri boundaries including: Te Taitokerau ; Tamaki Makaurau ; Waikato ; Te Moana A Toi; Te Arawa; Te Tairāwhiti; Takitimu; Te Tai Hauāuru; Te Whanganui A Tara; Te Waipounamu.

RLG nominations must be submitted to Te Puni Kōkiri by 23 June 2010 with RLGs expected to be announced and established by 16 July 2010.

ENDS

© Scoop Media