Manaaki Māmā
Manaaki Māmā is a community-led initiative that targets young māmā (under 25) living in high deprivation suburbs of Porirua (particularly Cannons Creek and Titahi Bay). By investing early in the wellbeing of these young māmā and their pēpi, it strengthens protective factors, restores connection, and creates safer, more stable futures for whānau and our wider rohe.
Manaaki Māmā Reimagining Hui
A special edition Manaaki Māmā Reimagining workshop was facilitated to support hapū māmā and their whānau.
We know that the first 1000 days from conception to 24 months lay the foundation for healthy and thriving tamariki. This recommendations paper shares their insights and aspirations, with a clear message: māmā and whānau flourish when wrap-around support is accessible, connected, and responsive.
This co-design initiative brings young māmā together with midwives and Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou to redesign maternity resources in ways that reflect lived experience. The mahi responds directly to recommendations from the Reimagining hui, ensuring the voices of young māmā shape how information is shared.
Together, we are developing short videos and early-pregnancy resources designed to be clear, timely, and delivered through channels that feel relevant and trusted.
Filming and videography are currently underway. Watch this space for the release of the final resources.
The Well Homes Referral initiative brings together key partners committed to improving housing-related health outcomes for hapū māmā and their whānau in Porirua. This initiative focuses on improving referral pathways from maternity care to healthy housing support services.
The rōpū is working collaboratively to strengthen the connection between maternity services and healthy housing support. Specifically, the focus areas are:
Identifying Barriers to Referrals: A survey was distributed to Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs) and midwives across the Wellington region to better understand what hinders referrals to the Well Homes programme.
Raising Awareness and Educating LMCs: Well Homes staff are delivering a series of presentations during LMC education sessions. These sessions aim to build understanding of the service, promote its value, and answer questions from midwives and LMCs.
Streamlining and Automating the Referral Process: The LMC database has been updated to allow for electronic referrals that are pre-populated with key client information, reducing administrative burden and improving accuracy. For Community Midwifery Teams (CMT) working within Te Whatu Ora, efforts are underway to align and improve referral processes within the existing databases to make access smoother and more efficient.
In our Op-Ed, we explore why Manaaki Māmā matters for Porirua’s future. Cycles of harm can be broken when we invest early, act collectively, and keep tamariki at the heart of our decisions.
