Whakapapa  | The History of Te Kāika

Established in 2018, Te Kāika has rapidly evolved into a vital resource for the Ōtākou community. Our commitment to serving Māori and Pasifika populations is evident in our culturally responsive care model. We recognise the historical challenges faced by these communities, including disparities in health and social outcomes.

Guided by Ngāi Tahu values, Te Kāika blends modern healthcare with the strength of tikanga Māori to provide holistic, wraparound support for whānau.

A red brick building with a black roof and a white roof.
A man in a blue shirt walks through a room with a wooden desk.

A Growing Movement

From the moment we opened our doors, it was clear that our approach was needed. Within the first month, 900 whānau joined Te Kāika, growing to thousands across Dunedin, Ōamaru, and Queenstown. This rapid growth reaffirmed our belief that when services are designed with whānau at the heart, communities flourish.

Te Kāika Dunedin

The Wellbeing Hub: 
A Milestone for Community Care

In 2024, we reached a major milestone with the opening of our Dunedin Wellbeing Hub, created in partnership with Health NZ - Te Whatu Ora Southern and the Ministry of Social Development.

This space embodies He Korowai Manaaki—offering:

  • Holistic, wraparound support with integrated health and social services.
  • A welcoming, inclusive space for whānau to connect and receive care.

At Te Kāika, we believe in walking alongside whānau on their journey to better health and wellbeing. Our mahi is about more than just healthcare—it’s about creating opportunities, strengthening connections, and ensuring every individual feels seen and supported.

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Our Guiding Principles

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Affordable, community-centered care that puts whānau first.

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A kaupapa Māori approach that respects culture, identity, and holistic wellbeing.

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Empowering whānau to thrive by providing the resources and support needed for long-term health and success.

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Join Our Journey

Together, we can build a future where every whānau has the support, resources, and healthcare they need to thrive. Whether by accessing our services, joining our team, or supporting our kaupapa, you can help strengthen the health and wellbeing of our community.