Marae-based clinics: A case study on Te Whare Hauora o Mangatoatoa Paa

Persistent inequities call for bold, culturally grounded solutions. Whānau-led marae-based clinics are improving access, trust, and outcomes for Māori cross Te Manawa Taki. This is made possible through partnerships among marae, clinics, and other institutions.

Pinnacle is proud to support Te Whare Hauora o Mangatoatoa Paa, where care led by whānau for whānau and anchored in Te Whare Tapa Whā, is creating real change.

Full documentary - The case of Mangatoatoa Paa Clinic - coming 5 November.

View the Mangatoatoa Paa handout (pdf)

Why it matters

he marae at Mangatoatoa Paa near Kihikihi and the Puuniu River, has become a place of healing. Barriers like cost, distance, cultural differences, or feeling unheard once made it hard for many in the area to access primary care. Now, services are delivered at the marae - a space that feels safe and familiar, grounded in kaupapa Māori values - where whānau are reconnecting with primary care.

"There’s a different mauri and wairua here. That’s all part of hauora. It’s all about your spiritual side and your physical side and your mental side, all of them together.” — Hone Hughes, Mangatoatoa Paa co-chair.

 

How it works

Each fortnight, clinicians from Te Awamutu Medical Centre (TAMC) deliver free community health services from the whare hauora - a dedicated hub that includes three consult rooms and a whānau waiting area. The team includes a doctor, nurse, pharmacist prescriber and psychologist, providing care from check ups and medical consults to mental health support and long-term condition management. A cup of tea, kai, and kōrero in the wating area are part of the healing.

"For Māori, there is no more grounding home than a marae. Receiving care here brings a sense of safety and belonging." (Whānau feedback)

 

 

This page supports Justin Butcher's presentation for the Ō Mātou Reo: Our Voices 2025 conference, hosted by Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission.