How We Work
Te Kāika is as a kaupapa Māori organisation dedicated to uplifting the health and wellbeing of Māori, Pasifika, and the wider community.
Guided by the principles of Whānau Ora, we integrate primary healthcare, social services, and cultural support, ensuring that our people receive care that is compassionate, accessible, and culturally responsive.
A Community-Led Approach
Established in 2018, Te Kāika has grown into a vital resource for the Ōtākou community. Our commitment to culturally responsive care is central to our work, ensuring Māori and Pasifika whānau receive support that respects and strengthens their identity. We recognise the historical challenges these communities have faced—barriers to healthcare, systemic inequities, and poorer health outcomes—and are actively working to create solutions that foster healing and empowerment.
- Whānau Connections – Strengthening relationships within whānau and across communities to enhance resilience.
- Partnerships with Local Iwi & Organisations – Working alongside community leaders to ensure our services align with cultural needs and aspirations.
- A Safe & Supportive Environment – Creating spaces where whānau feel valued, heard, and empowered in their healthcare journey.
Cultural Responsiveness at Our Core
We believe that cultural identity is central to wellbeing. Our approach integrates tikanga Māori and kaupapa Māori values across all aspects of care. By engaging with iwi representatives, community leaders, and whānau, we ensure that our services reflect the traditions and values of the people we serve.
- Māori-led Service Delivery – Designed with and for Māori, ensuring culturally meaningful care.
- Holistic Wellbeing – Supporting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health as interconnected elements.
- Community-Embedded Care – Bringing services into spaces where whānau feel comfortable and connected.
Affordable and Accessible
Many whānau experience financial, geographic, and systemic obstacles to accessing quality healthcare. Te Kāika is committed to removing these barriers through an approach that prioritises affordability, accessibility, and proactive engagement.
- Low-cost services – Ensuring healthcare remains accessible to all.
- Dunedin & Ōamaru locations – Bringing care into communities where it is needed most.
- Outreach and home visits – Reaching whānau who may struggle to access services.
A Vision for the Future
Te Kāika is more than a healthcare provider—it is a movement towards equity, cultural revitalisation, and community empowerment.
- Expanding services to meet the evolving needs of whānau.
- Driving systemic change to create fairer, more accessible healthcare.
- Honouring kaupapa Māori values in every aspect of our work.
By walking alongside our whānau, we are building a future where every mokopuna and whānau can flourish, reconnect, and thrive.
