Ngāti Hine Health Trust – a massive success story in Aotearoa
Ngāti Hine Health Trust CEO Geoff Milner says it is important for focus on the core kaupapa of the organisation as it gears up for a busy 2024. “When Ngāti Hine health Trust was established back in 1992, the focus was to look after the oranga (wellbeing) of our people and grow talent and careers within that mahi,” says Mr Milner.
In the decades since, the organisation has grown immensely and has become a community wellbeing leader in consistently providing those services within the Northland hapū and hāpori. In fact, Ngāti Hine Health Trust now has well over 400 kaimahi with more than 100 funding contracts and/or agreements and annual revenue of over $60 million. Ngāti Hine Health Trust delivers throughout numerous sectors, from health and disability support to mental health and addictions, primary care, justice, corrections, housing, education, social services, reo irirangi Māori and Whānau Ora.
The positive impact it has on people and community is immense thanks to the amazing mahi and expertise of its passionate and caring team.
While the head office is in Kawakawa, there is also a business support unit in Whangārei and satellite offices in Kaikohe, Pakaraka, Moerewa and Kaeo, as Ngāti Hine Health Trust’s footprint continues to expand.
Mr Milner says the organisation is driven to advocate for whānau and community, being accountable to those it serves, while continuing to honour the values and tikanga that underpin Ngāti Hine, to uplift the wellbeing of whānau, hapū and hāpori. He believes a strong sense of community and clear communication is key to making that happen. “The upcoming launch of a new Māori regional news service in March will help spread the word about the mahi of Ngāti Hine Health Trust, as the presence of Māori media in Te Taitokerau is about to hit an all-time high.
“The collaboration between Ngāti Hine FM and iwi media partners Tautoko FM and Te Hiku Media will deliver the most comprehensive Māori news service Te Taitokerau has seen across the three Northland Māori radio and online streaming networks, including iwi media partner social media platforms,” says Mr Milner.
He says it is one of many initiatives being either rolled out or continued throughout 2024. Others include the Ranfurly Street Social Housing development, which is the Trust’s most significant project to date with a $30m investment to build 35 homes in Moerewa, set for completion in early 2025. In addition, the Trust has also leased part of the new state-of-the-art building at the Bay of Islands Hospital to deliver its integrated whānau wellness centre at Paparata, combining general practitioner services and expanding collegial support for its doctors. Services from Paparata are set to commence in mid-February.