Whāngai Pae Tawhiti
Our 2023–2026 strategic goals
Our overarching strategic goal
Rangatiratanga in cancer control
Four goals carry that kaupapa. Below each one is some of the mahi it has driven, in our own words.
Reported for the year ended 30 June 2025, and quoted as written. Some of this work was still in progress then: the World Indigenous Cancer Conference has since been held, in April 2026.
Position statements
The breast cancer position statement was successfully completed and marks an important milestone in our commitment to providing clear, evidence-based guidance that supports equitable cancer care for Māori. Work is progressing on lung, stomach, bowel and cervical cancer statements. These position statements are strategically important as they provide a strong foundation for influencing health policy, guiding clinical practice, and ensuring Māori voices are central in cancer care decisions.
Standing firm for Te Tiriti and Māori health equity
Hei Āhuru Mōwai took decisive action to protect Māori rights and health equity by opposing two legislative proposals: the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill and the Regulatory Standards Bill. Both Bills posed significant threats to tino rangatiratanga, undermined Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and risked worsening cancer inequities for Māori. Our stance is unwavering: Te Tiriti o Waitangi is non-negotiable.
Strengthening cancer system performance
A focussed wānanga brought together Māori cancer leaders, Te Aho o Te Kahu, and system stakeholders to explore innovative ways to strengthen cancer care for Māori.
Tūāpapa Rangahau Matepukupuku – a Māori cancer research platform
The Tūāpapa Rangahau Matepukupuku initiative represents a critical assertion of Māori self-determination (tino rangatiratanga) in the field of cancer research. Grounded in tikanga Māori and guided by the voices of whānau, this rangahau seeks to understand what is needed to dismantle systemic inequities by establishing a Māori-led research platform that upholds Indigenous authority, knowledge systems, and aspirations. Through a series of wānanga and an online survey, the project engaged whānau, cancer specialists, researchers, and care providers.
Rongoā me te Puku
Whānau Māori continue to experience substantial inequities in cancer outcomes compared to non-Māori. Current cancer control systems in Aotearoa are grounded in Western frameworks, which often fail to uphold tino rangatiratanga or integrate Hauora Māori approaches. This rangahau co-creates research questions and priorities with whānau.
A digital community of practice
We launched an online community of practice platform for our 20 Hauora Māori Partners and their Cancer Care Navigators to collaborate, share knowledge, and improve practices; and create space for innovation where our kaimahi develop best practices, learn from each other and enhance their skills.
Toromiro – the lunchtime learning series
Hei Āhuru Mōwai introduced Toromiro: The Lunchtime Learning Series, a monthly education initiative designed to support the ongoing development of our workforce. Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngahere; ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao.
National Cancer Care Navigators Hui-ā-Tau
Hei Āhuru Mōwai proudly hosted the inaugural National Cancer Care Navigator Hui-ā-Tau in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. This landmark event brought together more than 50 passionate cancer care professionals representing 20 Hauora Māori Partners from across Aotearoa.
Enhanced access to new medicines
Hei Āhuru Mōwai facilitated a series of national and regional virtual hui to provide updates on the Government's $604 million five-year investment in the new medicines implementation programme.
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Āhuru Rourou
To build a fit for purpose and thriving resource filled whare
The World Indigenous Cancer Conference
Governance and planning of the fourth World Indigenous Cancer Conference has been a major milestone and a central focus of our work this year. A strong governance structure has been established.
Building our operational systems
Building the operational capability of our organisation has been led by our Āhuru Whakahaere Te Whare. This year our team grew from two kaimahi to a team of nine.