Innovation in empowering Kaumaatua wellbeing

How Waikato-Tainui has innovated to enhance the wellbeing of its members

Waikato-Tainui is a leading iwi based in the Waikato region of New Zealand, dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of its members and promoting cultural, social, and economic development. With a tribal membership of over 91,000, Waikato-Tainui serves as a vital advocate for its people, focusing on empowering kaumaatua (elders) and fostering strong community connections.

Through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives, Waikato-Tainui addresses historical disparities in health and wellbeing among its members. The tribe is committed to creating sustainable solutions that enhance access to healthcare, improve education and employment opportunities, and preserve cultural heritage.   

Waikato-Tainui operates a variety of programs aimed at uplifting the community, including health and wellness initiatives, cultural events, and economic development projects. By leveraging tribal purchasing power to procure healthcare products and health insurance, and advocating for the needs of its members, Waikato-Tainui is dedicated to building a resilient and vibrant future for all its whaanau.  

For over a decade, Waikato-Tainui has been dedicated to fostering positive, lasting change in kaumaatua wellbeing. They’ve found that the more recent introduction of subsidised health insurance with Southern Cross Health Insurance as part of a procurement strategy has revolutionised access to healthcare amongst kaumaatua, leveraging the collective purchasing power of the iwi kaumaatua  .

Waikato-Tainui says that this initiative has sparked crucial conversations around dinner tables, where kaumaatua and their whaanau now regularly discuss the importance of proactive health management. In 2024, kaumaatua have elevated their wellbeing through 808 claims across multiple health specialties, from dental and optical through to GP visits.  

In the last five years, the iwi's focus on product procurement has transformed how it supports kaumaatua. By utilising the tribe’s collective size and influence, they have created key opportunities for them to access healthcare as valued members of the tribal community. Waikato-Tainui says that this strategic approach ensures that kaumaatua are no longer isolated in navigating the healthcare system but are empowered by the collective strength of their iwi.  

The iwi has also sustained this positive change through regular Poukai events; a cultural cornerstone as guardians of the Kiingitanga. These national events, primarily held in Hamilton, Waikato, the South Island, and Rotorua, provide kaumaatua with the opportunity to gather at marae, discuss current issues, and stay engaged in tribal traditions. With kaumaatua making up the largest proportion of attendees, Waikato-Tainui provides transportation to ensure participation. These events are essential, as kaumaatua involvement ensures the continuation of traditions—without them, the iwi risks losing vital cultural practices.  

The commitment to kaumaatua wellbeing is about more than providing access to healthcare—it’s about creating spaces where they feel empowered, valued, and connected. Through a decade of consistent effort, Waikato-Tainui has not only changed how kaumaatua engage with the health system but also how they participate in the cultural and social fabric of the tribe. By focusing on sustainable, community-driven initiatives, kaumaatua wellbeing remains a priority for generations to come. 

Waikato-Tainui subsidises the Southern Cross Health Insurance HealthEssentials plan for its kaumaatua.