Project Hauora
He Waka Tapu is launching Project Hauora, a community fundraising campaign to deliver a purpose-built health and wellbeing hub for East Christchurch, marking 30 years of supporting whānau across Canterbury.
Construction has begun on a modern, integrated health and wellbeing facility that will expand access to affordable, culturally responsive healthcare for one of Christchurch’s fastest-growing and highest-needs communities.
Called Project Hauora, the $11 million development is the initiative of He Waka Tapu, a Māori-led, kaupapa Māori health and social services organisation that supports individuals,
whānau and communities to improve their wellbeing. The new facility is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months.
He Waka Tapu aims to raise $1 million through community donations, philanthropic support, grants and corporate partnerships to help bring the project to life. No direct Government capital funding has been received for the build.
The new facility will expand Te Aranga Health Clinic, He Waka Tapu’s general practice, from six consultation rooms to ten, increasing capacity for thousands more appointments each year. It will bring together general practice, nursing, mental health, physical therapy and wider wellbeing services, alongside dedicated office space for frontline social service practitioners.
He Waka Tapu founder Daryl Gregory, his wife Rose and son Miharo.
He Waka Tapu founder and board chair Daryl Gregory says, “Project Hauora is a realised part of our dream, 30 years in the making. It’s about creating seamless access to affordable, equitable healthcare and bringing our services together so whānau can access the support they need, when they need it.
“You know you’re making a difference when you meet the partners and the children, hear their stories, and see the impact that support is creating. At the heart of it all, people just want to be loved. That’s what He Waka Tapu has always been about.”
The clinic currently delivers almost 40,000 GP and nursing appointments annually and operates at capacity, with 79% of enrolled patients classified as high needs. The expansion will improve access to affordable, culturally responsive healthcare, support extended opening hours and help reduce pressure on Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department and
after-hours services.
He Waka Tapu Chief Executive Toni Tinirau says Project Hauora represents an investment in equitable healthcare for future generations.
“For 30 years, He Waka Tapu has stood beside our communities, providing care that is grounded in connection, compassion and kaupapa Māori values. Project Hauora is an investment in the future of our whānau, ensuring more people can access affordable healthcare and wellbeing services close to home.”
The campaign launch was celebrated at He Waka Tapu’s 30th Anniversary Gala on 3 October at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, where $75,000 was raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions and donations, contributing to the $1 million target.
“Project Hauora belongs to our community,” says Toni.
“Every contribution, whether large or small, brings us one step closer to creating a health and wellbeing hub that will serve generations of whānau.”
Community members, businesses, charitable trusts and philanthropic organisations are invited to support the campaign through donations and partnerships. To learn more, become a sponsor or contribute, visit hewakatapu.org.nz.
