Our Whakataukī

09

OUR WHAKATAUKĪ

Tungia te Ururua, kia tupu Whakaritorito te tupu O te harakeke

Clear the undergrowth so that the new shoots of the flax will grow.

Our whakataukī was gifted to the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation by respected rangatira Dr Morehu Ngatoko Rahipere, wellknown for his strong and wise leadership.

The whakataukī is a poetic expression and gentle reminder to consider new ways of thinking when embarking on new journeys, making bold, courageous decisions, and striving to attain knowledge to achieve optimum health and wellbeing for our hapori (community).

Significance of harakeke (flax):

Harakeke is cherished by Māori and cultivated in special plantations called pā harakeke, nature’s hapori. There are four strands which symbolise the interconnection, roles, and responsibilities of each whānau member to protect the wellbeing of the hapori: •

The rito, or inner shoot, is the child and is never removed as they are valued, a taonga. A whānau must protect and nurture its tamariki (children) to maturity if it is to survive. The young are protected by their mātua (parents) and kaumātua (elders).

The awhi rito, or protectors of the rito, stand on each side. They are mātua. Like the rito they are retained to produce further ‘generations’ of growth

Only the outer leaves, likened to extended whānau members, are harvested. The whānau share common roots and derive strength and stability from forming part of a larger whole.

The whole hapori/team collaborate to enable success, to flourish, and contribute to equitable outcomes for all. Everybody has something to offer; it is a shared role, maximising the contributions for the collective good of all.

To thrive it is important to prune and keep the ururua (waste) maintained in order to keep disease at bay and clear of dead leaves, weeds and debris otherwise it attracts and provides a home for insects that chew and damage the harakeke leaves. It is a wise reminder when striving for quality, and to enhance a continuously improving and meaningful journey, we may need to leave behind ways of doing things which no longer contribute to the wellbeing of our hapori, and adopt new methodologies in order to provide better health outcomes for whānau and actively protect their health with genuine engagement.

The whakataukī is a source of inspiration which aligns and strengthens the core values the PHO has committed to: •

Whai mana – equity

Whai ora – quality healthcare

Whai rangatiratanga – sustainability.