Whānau-Centred Maternity Care at Te Whare Piringa: A Living Kaupapa Supporting the Hapūtanga Journey

Te Whare Piringa  is more than just a place - it’s a living prototype, a whānau-centered space designed by the Hapū Māmā Village, to reimagine how support is offered to whānau who are on the hapūtanga journey. It's not a finished product, but rather a process, a collaborative effort to figure out together what support looks like when it is grounded in trust, whakawhanaungatanga, and care. 

“As a midwife, my role is to walk alongside hapū māmā and their whānau through the Te Whare Piringa experience. It’s about showing whānau what Te Whare Piringa could be for them. “It’s not just about care - it’s about connection.”

“Every week, we (midwives) run clinics out of Te Whare Piringa. It’s lovely for us and our whānau. We also help run childbirth education through hapūtanga wānanga prototype, and even some professional hui. It’s a real hub.”

This approach reflects what it means to work in a truly whānau-centered environment. It’s not about services dictating what’s best - it’s about asking whānau, listening to them, and responding. “It’s about communicating with whānau, understanding what they want from us, and then working together, seamlessly, as providers to make that happen.”

Whanaungatanga is alive and well within the whare. “We’ve seen it already—whānau making all sorts of connections through clinics,  wananga, or sessions. Even our tamariki feel it. They’re settled, they’re calm, and their parents notice it too. It makes a real difference.”

And that sense of connection flows between kaimahi as well. “Some days are quiet, some days the place is buzzing. But the manaaki is always there. Our team of Te Whare Piringa coordinators and  Te Waipuna kaimahi are consistently welcoming and supportive. Whānau feel that as soon as they walk in.”

When asked about the future, her response is clear: endless opportunity. “Not just for me, but for our hapū whānau. Being outside of a hospital setting, the potential to offer services like phlebotomy, immunisations, Family Start—all under one roof—lightens my workload, but more importantly, it creates a much better experience for whānau. It’s seamless. It’s warm. It’s holistic.”

In that way, Te Whare Piringa isn’t just a prototype. It’s a glimpse into what could be possible when services are reimagined through the lens of whānau—when care is shaped by relationships, not systems.

Initially, Baillie joined the Hapū Māmā Village as a participant or Hapū Māmā Villager. A work colleague at Te Ora Hou invited her to attend. The experience opened her eyes to the importance of sharing and learning. “The more I went, the more I realised how much sharing could help me and others” Baillie says. “I’ve always been open, but discussing pregnancy and birth with others made me more aware of my own practices and how to live out my own life being a māmā”.

As Baillie became more comfortable in the space, she saw the value of contributing to the development of Te Whare Piringa, “The long process was necessary. There was no failure in the process. We learned how to work as a team. Watching our babies grow while we grew as māmā was really valuable”.

She also reflects that “Te Whare Piringa is not like anything else in Whanganui. Other places might have something similar, but this is different, it’s not about output. It’s about being yourself, hanging out and getting whatever support you need”.

Baillie’s role in the co-design process, has deepened her connection to the initiative. The entire process was important to her but one of her favourite activities was being able to shape the floor plan and making quick decisions during design sprints. “We weren’t just participants; we were contributors,” she says “It felt like we created something that’s part of our hearts. It’s about belonging, not just showing up. It’s about knowing we helped create something meaningful.”

Today, Baillie is employed as a kaimahi within Te Whare Piringa - “It feels surreal to work here,” she admits. “I never imagined this would be my job, but it’s such a cool bonus. It’s fulfilling waking up to go to work”.

Baillie’s lived experience as a Hapū Māmā Villager informs her work every day. “Having your voice is so important,” she says. “Before, I never felt confident enough to ask questions of my midwife or doctor. And I want māmā to come in and leave feeling confident to say ‘I don’t want to do that,’ or ‘Tell me more.’ It’s empowering to make informed decisions about your own body and the birth experience.”

Her message to new māmā entering Te Whare Piringa is clear: “Be open to the journey. Trust the process and know that you're not alone. This space is about connection, support, and giving you a voice.”

For more information about Te Whare Piringa contact kylee.osborne@teoranganui.co.nz