A message of Aroha to our health and essential workforces
Today’s launch of the Ngā Mihi campaign is a chance for all of Aotearoa to demonstrate our gratitude, appreciation and Aroha for our health and essential workforces, the Chief Executive of National Māori Organisation Te Rau Ora, Dr Maria Baker said.
The Ngā Mihi campaign is an expression of gratitude and Aroha for our essential workforces, says Dr Baker. These workforces have worked tirelessly both in the frontline and also behind the scenes to look after the health and wellbeing of our whānau and communities. Many have gone to extraordinary lengths in their service and commitment to their communities.
Dr Baker noted the extraordinary efforts from Iwi, Māori Providers and Marae to ensure that communities were nourished, supported, and connected. Māori are always quick to respond to the needs of their communities which was reflected through the Christchurch Earthquakes, White Island Eruption, Edgecumbe Floods and now through COVID-19.
Māori Providers have a crucial role in COVID-19 vaccinations – not just for Māori but for all people within their communities. Māori Providers like Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust have provided over 124,000 vaccinations in their community. These efforts are repeated by Māori providers in every community across Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Peer Networks, Whānau and Friends have also played a significant role in the health and wellbeing of loved ones. The psychosocial impacts from COVID-19 are starting to be felt in all corners of our society. Our social networks help to alleviate our stress and anxiety through care, support, kindness, and Aroha. They are an essential component to our ongoing wellbeing.
We want to let these people, providers and communities know that they are making a huge difference in our lives. We invite everyone to join Ngā Mihi (www.ngamihi.com) and to send out their own messages of Aroha.
Contact for further information: Dr Maria Baker, Pouwhakahaere Matua/CEO, Te Rau Ora, maria.baker@terauora.com or phone (021) 228 7788
Te Rau Ora is a national Māori organisation committed to improving Māori Health through leadership, education, research and evaluation, health workforce development and innovative, systemic transformation. For more information on Te Rau Ora visit www.terauora.com