The Hapū Māmā Village Insights
The Hapū Māmā Village: Insights & Recommendations report brings together 16 months of kōrero, lived experiences, and sector knowledge to illuminate the reality of maternity care for Hapū Māmā across the Whanganui rohe. Grounded in indigenous systems thinking and co-designed with Māmā, Pāpā, whānau, midwives, and community practitioners, the report uncovers persistent challenges — from inconsistent care and cultural disconnection to workforce fatigue and fragmented systems.
It offers a powerful collection of insights alongside actionable recommendations for system transformation, including iwi-led villages of care, improved mental wellbeing support, strengthened cultural practice, digital innovation, and a unified early-years strategy. At its heart, it calls for a maternity ecosystem that upholds mana, restores hapūtanga practices, and ensures every Māmā and pēpi experiences safe, culturally grounded, whānau-centred care.