Our Mahitahi Hauora Story

Kanohi kitea | Locally placed for wellbeing and health outcomes that matter to you

Mahitahi Hauora was established in 2019, bringing together two former Northland primary health organisations – Manaia Health PHO and Te Tai Tokerau PHO (both founded in 2003) – to create one unified organisation to service Northland.

The merger reflected a shared commitment by general practice, Māori health providers, iwi and the wider health sector to work differently – together – to improve health outcomes for our people and communities.

Hauora means health, and Mahitahi means working together as one, and that spirit continues to guide everything we do.

We are proudly local for locals. Our team lives and works in Te Tai Tokerau, with offices in Whangārei and Kaitaia. We have longstanding local relationships, strong local knowledge, and a clear understanding of the needs of our communities, so we can support better health outcomes for Northland’s whānau and communities.

Our focus

Our Te Tai Tokerau region has a high number of Māori, rural and high needs communities.

We know that not everyone has the same access to healthcare – and that these differences are often unfair and avoidable. That’s why equity is at the heart of our work. For us, equity means:
• Recognising different communities have different needs
• Working in ways that remove barriers like cost, distance and access
• Supporting better outcomes for Māori and any populations that face inequity
• Giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in how we operate

We are committed to helping close the gap so everyone in Te Tai Tokerau has the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.

Our approach

Health is influenced by far more than healthcare alone. Factors such as housing, environment, employment, culture, and social connection all have an important role in shaping health outcomes. That’s why we work beyond the traditional health system – alongside iwi, community organisations and other sectors – to support whole of whānau wellbeing.

Our approach is local and grounded in communities. We listen to what matters to people and work to find solutions.

Our vision

Healthy whānau, thriving Northland.

That’s what drives us every day and keeps us committed to build a healthier future for Te Tai Tokerau.

Our values

At Mahitahi Hauora, we live by eight core values that guide everything we do.

Tika

To be honest, truthful and genuine.

We are honest, behave and treat others consistently, are transparent, are trustworthy, and have the courage to do the right thing.

Pono

Fairness and integrity

We work towards fairness and equity in all our mahi; we demonstrate integrity in our actions.

Aroha

We respect and care for each other

We show appreciation, compassion, kindness and empathy for others.

Kotahitanga

Collaboration and unity

We are all in one ‘waka’ paddling consistently towards a common purpose.

Manaakitanga

Supporting and valuing others

We are caring and supportive.

Whanaungatanga

Relationships, belonging, and inclusion

We value and honour relationships and engagement.

Whakamana Whānau

Empowering whānau

We are strengths-based and put whānau front-and-centre of everything we do.

Whakapapa

Connection and heritage

We connect with each other and our history.