whanau ora review

Whānau Ora is a whānau-centred approach and government-funded program in New Zealand focused on achieving collective well-being for whānau (extended family groups). It emphasizes a strengths-based, holistic view of thriving, healthy, and self-determined whānau, supporting them to define and reach their own goals and aspirations, with intergenerational benefits. Recent independent reviews of Whānau Ora have cleared allegations of misuse of government funds by two former commissioning agencies but recommended stronger oversight and enhanced contract and conflict of interest management to safeguard the programme's integrity. The reviews noted improvements in procurement, risk management, data accuracy, and workforce development to better support vulnerable whānau and deliver positive outcomes nationwide. The framework operates on several principles, including Māori values, whānau engagement, coherent service delivery, and effective resourcing. In summary, Whānau Ora is seen as an impactful framework for supporting Māori and Pasifika families toward sustainable well-being, with ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and expand service reach across New Zealand.