Strengthening Healthy Homes Across Aotearoa
Te Manawa Taki Regional Hui brought together health, housing, and community leaders to strengthen partnerships that support warm, dry, and healthy homes. Hosted by WISE Charitable Trust in Hamilton, the hui created space for meaningful kōrero, shared learning, and coordinated action. As a result, organisations aligned their efforts and strengthened their commitment to improving outcomes for whānau across Aotearoa.
Why the Te Manawa Taki Regional Hui matters
Healthy homes play a direct role in whānau wellbeing. Cold, damp housing contributes to respiratory illness, missed school days, and increased pressure on health services. Therefore, collaboration between housing providers, hauora organisations, and community trusts becomes essential.
The Te Manawa Taki Regional Hui created an opportunity to connect kanohi ki te kanohi. Leaders shared practical solutions, workforce insights, and strategies that improve access to healthy homes services. In addition, organisations identified ways to work more efficiently across regions.
Partners included Health New Zealand, Sustainability Options, AWHI Healthy Homes Initiative, Te Kapua Whakapipi, Ngāti Porou Oranga, Turanga Health, 20 Degrees, Tauranga Community Trust, and WISE Charitable Trust. Each organisation brought valuable experience and a shared commitment to this kaupapa.
Collaboration creates stronger outcomes for whānau
When organisations align their efforts, they increase their impact. For example, shared referral pathways ensure whānau access insulation, heating support, and housing assessments faster. At the same time, coordinated workforce development strengthens regional capability.
This approach reduces duplication and improves service delivery. Consequently, more whānau live in homes that protect their health and wellbeing.
Furthermore, hui like this strengthen trust between organisations. Strong relationships make it easier to respond quickly to community needs.
Practical ways organisations can support healthy homes
Organisations can take simple steps to support healthier housing outcomes. These actions create immediate and long term benefits.
1. Refer whānau early
Early referrals help prevent health issues caused by cold or damp housing.
2. Build local partnerships
Strong local connections improve access to services and resources.
3. Share knowledge across teams
Training and information sharing strengthen frontline capability.
4. Prioritise prevention
Preventative action reduces long term health and social costs.
These steps help create sustainable change. Most importantly, they ensure whānau receive the support they need.
How WISE Charitable Trust supports healthy homes
WISE Charitable Trust delivers practical solutions that improve housing conditions across Taranaki. Our Healthy Homes team works directly with whānau to assess homes, identify risks, and connect people with insulation and heating support.
We also work alongside partners to strengthen regional systems. Through collaboration, we help create lasting improvements in housing quality and wellbeing.
Our approach focuses on action. We connect, assess, and support whānau every day.
Take action with WISE Charitable Trust
If you work with whānau, you can help make a difference today.
Refer a whānau
Connect them with our Healthy Homes team for practical support.
Partner with us
Collaborate with WISE to strengthen healthy homes across your community.
Learn more about our services
Discover how WISE can support your organisation and the people you serve.
Together, we can create warm, dry, and healthy homes for whānau across Aotearoa.
