Northern Iwi Leaders’ symposia: identifying new pathways for kaumātua care

With disproportionately high rates of chronic illness, early diagnoses of mate wareware dementia and lower life expectancy amongst kaumātua, it is vital that urgent action is taken to prioritise their needs and address the barriers that limit kaumātua wellbeing and ability to thrive.

In line with our commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Foundation is focused on supporting and enabling social impact initiatives for this vulnerable group of seniors. We therefore hosted an inaugural Northern Iwi Leaders’ Forum in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 21 March 2025. This hui provided a unique platform to engage Iwi leaders on the specific issues faced by kaumātua, and to work collaboratively, share insights and identify solutions in how culturally sensitive care and support might be delivered to their vulnerable elder communities.

Inaugural Northern Iwi Leaders’ Forum on 21 March 2025 (from left): CEO of The Selwyn Foundation, Denise Cosgrove; Kaihautū Mātua General Manager of The Selwyn Foundation, Anthony Wilson; Ngāti Hine leader, Pita Tipene.

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In the spirit of tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake – independence, interdependence and self-reliance – the Iwi taking part in the forum subsequently continued their joint discussions on kaumātua wellbeing. In collaboration with Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi Ō Ngāpuhi and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine, the Foundation was delighted to host a second successful forum in Paihia on 31 July. This focused on the emergence of AI in a Māori context and the potential for iwi capability development and leadership in this area, with a view to identifying new pathways for the care of their kaumātua that reflect Māori values and making them a reality.

Speaking at the forum was Dr Lyndon Drake (former Archdeacon for Te Hui Amorangi ki te Tai Tokerau) who presented his research and exploratory work on AI using administrative and health data. Other speakers were: Peter-Lucas Jones, CEO of Te Hiku Media, who has been at the cutting edge of AI in relation to preserving te Reo Māori; and Morris Pita, founder of the Emergency Q app which is used extensively throughout the health sector.

By leveraging our relationships and building capacity with Iwi in this way, therefore, we seek to ensure that the outcomes designed, developed and delivered ‘by Māori, for Māori’ will safeguard their lasting success in the long-term.

Attendees of the inaugural Northern Iwi Leaders’ Forum on 21 March (from top): representatives of Ngāti Whatua Orakei; Chair of Te Hau Ora O Ngāpuhi, Hōne Sadler, addressing the Forum; Chair of Te Rūnanga ā Iwi o Ngāpuhi, Mane Tahere, speaking to delegates.

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