Māori Workforce Development Programme Update – Building Capability and Connection Across the Motu 

Written By Communications

Over the past year, Hei Āhuru Mōwai has continued to progress the Cancer Care Navigator (CCN) Māori Workforce Development Programme, a national initiative designed to strengthen and sustain the CCN workforce across Aotearoa. This mahi is underpinned by a strong programme governance approach that reflects kaupapa Māori values, co-design with navigators across the motu, and a shared commitment to whānau-centred, equitable cancer care. 

  • At the heart of the Māori Workforce Development Programme is the CCN Competency Framework — a comprehensive structure that defines the core capabilities required for effective navigation practice. The framework was developed collaboratively with CCNs based across the 20 Hauora Māori partner organisations, and included input from system stakeholders to ensure it reflects both the professional and cultural dimensions of navigation. It draws on the korowai metaphor, with aho representing the guiding values and whēnu representing the 19 competency areas. 

    In July 2025, seven new Hauora Māori partners (HMPs) joined Hei Āhuru Mōwai national support services alongside these 20. We will be seeking direct feedback from the 7 new partners over the next few months to ensure their contributions have been considered. More information on the 19 areas will be released early next year, following input from our 7 new partners. 

  • The learning journey flows from the whakatauki: 

    Mā te whakātu ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama, mā te mārama ka mātau, mā  te mātau ka ora.

    By discussion comes knowledge, by knowledge comes understanding, by  understanding comes wisdom, by wisdom comes wellbeing. 

    A poutama has been developed from this whakatauki to phase the stages of learning from foundational to thriving.  These stages are: Whakātu (foundational), Mōhio, Mārama, Mātau, moving to Ka Ora (thriving). This facilitates navigators in moving through progressive stages of learning and mastery at their own pace.  

    Each stage deepens understanding and skill across the six learning domains:  

  • A suite of interactive eLearning modules for the whakātu (foundational) stage are in development, designed to introduce, embed, and provide self-assessed learning across the competency areas. The modules are self-paced, accessible online, and built to align with national standards for digital learning and adult education.

    The first set of modules will be officially launched at the CCN National Hui ā Tau on Wednesday the 26th of November, marking a major milestone for the programme. 

    These resources have been developed to support CCNs in strengthening their practice and building confidence across all areas of the competency framework. They are intended to provide consistent, accessible, and high-quality learning opportunities that equip navigators to deliver equitable, whānau centred care — wherever they are based across the motu. 

  • This programme has been co-designed with CCNs, for CCNs. The development process has involved continuous feedback from navigators across the motu, alongside guidance from the Workforce Development Advisory governance group and subject matter experts.

    The approach ensures that learning content remains grounded in kaupapa Māori principles, responsive to workforce needs, and reflective of the lived realities of navigation practice. 

Next Steps and Access 

The first eLearning modules will be made available following the CCN National Hui ā Tau, with guidance and access information shared directly through Pae Wānanga and Pae Tukutuku.  

We encourage CEOs and Team Leaders to support their kaimahi to engage with these new resources as part of their ongoing professional development.  Hei Āhuru Mōwai is planning a CE-to-CE hui of all 27 HMPs on 13 November 2025, to reiterate the messages outlined here and offer ways in which leaders can support their CCN kaimahi to engage and grow in this programme. 

If you would like more information about these modules or the content they cover, please reach out - we’re happy to provide further details or guidance on how these can best support your workforce. 

For any queries or to learn more about the Workforce Development Programme, please contact: 

Communications