“Our focus has always been clear; that our people are best served by solutions designed by and for our communities.”
Faneva said this next step allowed it to deepen that commitment by growing an accessible, culturally grounded and future-focused service.
The development has been supported by co-ordinated work across clinical leadership, governance, and operational systems, including enrolment design and readiness activities to support whānau-centred service delivery.
Tumuaki CEO Bree Davis said the kaupapa had been driven by long-term vision rather than short-term change.
“From application through to readiness, every step has centred on strengthening how we serve our whānau and ensuring we are set up for sustainable growth.”
Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa Board members Miriama Nelson and Raiha Fredricsen with Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa Tumuaki CEO Bree Davis.
The new practice strengthened services available to whānau, said Mahitahi Hauora Partnership Services Manager Sandra Wilkinson.
“We are excited to welcome Te Pokapū Community Clinic in Kāeo to our network. This new nurse-led general practice strengthens the range of services available where it is greatly needed, improving access to health care in a high-needs rural community.”
The recent launch was welcomed by residents who said healthcare access was difficult for those living in the small town.
Kāeo pharmacy dispensary manager Viv Bath said it was pleased with the new nurse-led practice.
“It will help Whānau Ora [which] are also doing the best they can. We’re sitting in a situation here where the doctors are mostly online and we are over an hour to each of our nearest hospitals and our ambulance service has gone too.”
She said Kāeo was a high-needs area and the small pharmacy team often acted as triage when residents required care.
“It’s not uncommon for us to phone the hospital, to phone or email the practices to let them know when things aren’t going well.
“I think that’s kind of something we have taken upon ourselves to make sure people are getting seen and treated correctly.”
Kāeo resident Janice Ryan said the new practice would be “wonderful” as seeing a GP was difficult.
“It’s very hard to get in and see the doctor. And I mean that’s really sad.”
Ryan said things had changed since she moved to the town 12 years ago but not for the better. She hoped the nurse-led practice was the start of more services in Kāeo.
“I think it’s very important for people to have easy access to healthcare, especially in small rural communities, given that many have to travel out of town, especially nowadays with the price of gas. Some of the elderly just can’t afford it.”
Yolisa Tswanya is Deputy News Director at the Northland Age. An experienced journalist and newsroom leader, she holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and reports on a broad range of issues across the Far North and Northland, with particular interest in health, education and community affairs.