Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou means
“a supportive and caring place”

It describes the vision and drive to make
Porirua the best place to raise a whānau.

Our Whakapapa

Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou was one of 12 prototype localities originally set up following the health reforms under the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022. As previously laid out in section 54 of the Act, “Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority must jointly determine geographically defined areas (localities) for the purpose of arranging services”. Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou was the name gifted to the Porirua locality by mana whenua Ngāti Toa Rangatira. We operate under Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira.

Although the concept of localities has now been disestablished, Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou continues to operate as an entity, championing place-based approaches to improving well-being in Porirua. Since our inception, there has been a strong focus on community engagement to inform the planning and implementation of community-identified priorities.

The carvings on the wharenui at Takapūwāhia Marae

Our Team

Jodi Watene

Ko Mangaia makatea te maunga

Ko Ngāti Tane te iwi

Ko Tamarua te oire

Ko Tiriara te vai

Ko Mangaia te motu

I tipu ake au ki Porirua, e noho tonu ana

Ko Jodi Watene tōku ingoa

I bring both expertise and passion in community-led systems design, relationship building, and collective leadership. I am particularly experienced in working at the interface between government and community, where I focus on translating priorities, building trust, and supporting locally led solutions that create meaningful, long-term change. I am deeply committed to working together to create new opportunities for the wellbeing and prosperity of our people and communities.

Systems Change Lead

Dr. Nethmi Kearns

Ko Hīraka te whakapaparanga mai

Ko Tāmaki Makaurau te whenua tipu

Kei Te Whanganui-a-tara au e noho ana

Ko Nethmi Kearns tōku ingoa.

I am tauiwi Public Health Physician with a background in clinical medicine and clinical research. I am currently working in a split role between the National Public Health Service | Te Whatu Ora and Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou. I bring expertise in community engagement and designing and delivering health programmes. I am a certified Future Search facilitator, skilled in collaborative planning and systems thinking. My work reflects a commitment to hauora, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and advancing health equity across population groups, ensuring that all communities have access to the care and resources they need. I am passionate about integrating evidence-based practice, fostering partnerships, and driving sustainable change.

Public Health Medicine Specialist

Organisational Advisor

Nadia Flowers

Ko ngā pae maunga Tararua te maunga

Ko Manawatū te awa

Ko Tainui te waka

Ko Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, me Muāupoko, me Rangaitaane ngā iwi

Ko Motuiti te marae

I tipu ake au ki Porirua, e noho tonu ana au

Ko Nadia Flowers tōku ingoa.

With a background in business development and project management, I bring extensive experience across the healthcare, education and Government sectors. I am a former registered nurse with a deep belief in social justice and equity. I have a strong commitment to working together to create new opportunities for the well-being and prosperity of the people and organisations in our community.

Stewardship and Direction

Established in 2021, the Porirua Community Leaders’ Forum (PCLF) sits at the heart of how direction and priorities are set. It provides a trusted space for collective leadership, grounded in local relationships and shared accountability to Porirua.

Through the Forum, leaders from iwi, community, Pacific, migrant, business, education, and social sectors come together to identify shared priorities, guide strategic focus, and align action toward collective impact.