TOP POV

Healthcare access should be measured by whether whānau get the wrap-around support they need — not simply whether they get through the clinic door, writes CEO of Te Ora Puāwai and Waiora Wellness Centre, Mark Simiona From 1 July 2026, New Zealand introduced a new primary care target: more than 80% of people should be able to access a general practice appointment within one week. That is a positive step. But I think we need to be careful about what we call access. Because

The real challenge isn't access to services. It's how well we connect them around the lives of whānau. CEO of Te Ora Puāwai and Waiora Wellness Centre, Mark Simiona gives his perspective on why collaboration matters more than ever We use some powerful words in health and social services. Integration. Partnership. Whānau-centred. Collaboration. They appear in strategies, funding applications, contracts, and presentations. But genuine collaboration is much harder than writing t

To mark Tongan Language Week from Aug 16 - 22 CEO of Te Ora Puawai and Waiora Wellness Centre Mark Simiona writes about how this year's theme reminds us that language, music and culture are not just expressions of identity. They are also powerful sources of connecton, trust and wellbeing. Mālō e lelei - Fiefia he Uike Lea Faka-Tonga 2026! As CEO of Te Ora Puāwai, I’m proud to acknowledge Tonga Language Week and the contribution Tongan communities make across South Auckland an