Iwi-led Tākai Here partnership wins Māori Crown Award

A partnership between the Ministry of Social Development and iwi has supported more than 542 participants through employment, education, health and wellbeing work.

Tākai Here brings together the Ministry of Social Development, Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira. The partnership focuses on improving outcomes for whānau Māori.

Its iwi-led initiatives have achieved 462 education and employment outcomes. They have also connected more than 1,000 people to health and social services.

The partnership won Te Tohu mō Whai Ratonga | Māori Crown Award at the 8th annual Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards, held in Wellington.

Lu Avia, Chief Advisor at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, won the Young Leader of the Year Award. Avia leads executive operations and works to make things work better for Pacific communities.

“I think service is the thing that should underpin everything,” said Avia.

Clean Air Rotorua won the Better Outcomes Award. Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, the National Public Health Service and the community worked together on it.

The Public Service Commission says Rotorua has moved from having the worst winter air quality in the North Island to consistently meeting national air quality standards. It says the work shows the value of long-term commitment to improving community wellbeing.

The awards recognise initiatives and individuals delivering great outcomes for New Zealand and New Zealanders.