Our Story
The kaupapa for Whaiora was first considered in 1996 at a hui at Papawai Marae, Greytown. Ngāti Moe hapu, led by Janice Wenn (pictured) and Kim Workman, structured a proposal for a 'by Māori for Māori' community-based health service for the Wairarapa. Initially, this service was named Whaiora Whanui. It was developed under the umbrella of the Ngāti Kahungunu Māori Executive, Taiwhenua (NKMET). 

Charitable Trust: In December 2000 the hapu members of NKMET Board gave Whaiora Whanui the mandate to become our own autonomous entity. Whaiora Whanui Trust registered as a Charitable Trust on 13 December 2000.

Community Services: Whaiora has delivered a range of health and social services within the Wairarapa community since its inception. We are a Whānau Ora Lead Provider. In addition, we were instrumental in the establishment of Ko Te Aroha Early Childhood Education Centre.

Whaiora Medical Centre: Whaiora Medical Centre was established in 2010 to provide affordable healthcare. It is Wairarapa’s only Very Low Cost Access (VLCA) General Practice.

Māori Health Workforce Development: Whaiora is a strong advocate for nurturing our upcoming clinical and social service workforce. We regularly host student placements, including medical students from the University of Otago, New Zealand. We have also hosted medical students from Glasgow University, Scotland. In 2016, Whaiora was approved as a Teaching Centre for Registrars. Whaiora and Te Hauora Runanga o Wairarapa also host dental students from the Otago School of Dentistry. We acknowledge Kevin Wong’s Dental Clinic for their support and supervision of these students.