Te Ora Puāwai

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All customers in South Auckland are healthy, well, & living longer

We danced, we learned, and we took charge of our heart health♥️A huge thank you to everyone who joined our community hea...
01/09/2026

We danced, we learned, and we took charge of our heart health♥️

A huge thank you to everyone who joined our community health workshop last Thursday (27 August) at the Ōtara Music and Arts Centre (OMAC), delivered in partnership with Otara Family and Christian Health Centre.

Participants learned about the impact of hypertension (high blood pressure) on their health, shared practical everyday strategies for managing their blood pressure, and discovered ways to keep their hearts strong and healthy.

Best of all, everyone left knowing their blood pressure numbers and feeling empowered to take positive steps for their health and wellbeing. Remember, hypertension often has no symptoms, so regular blood pressure checks and staying active are vital.

Thank you for bringing your energy, your moves, and your commitment to healthy living! Let’s keep this momentum going.🚶

Check out some highlights below! 📸👇

Register for our next community workshop on Women's Health at OMAC on 24 September 2026 👉 https://form.jotform.com/261687386411060

South Auckland doesn’t need another silo. We need to get better at working together.In an opinion piece written for ‘TOP...
25/08/2026

South Auckland doesn’t need another silo. We need to get better at working together.

In an opinion piece written for ‘TOP POV’ Te Ora Puāwai and Waiora Wellness Centre’s CEO Mark Simiona (Pic front far right with the team) explores why collaboration, shared responsibility and joined-up services are essential to improving health equity — and why fragmentation costs our communities much more.

South Auckland has incredible health, social and community services, writes Mark.

The challenge, he says, is connecting those pieces around the realities of people’s lives -- because from a whānau perspective, health, housing, disability, work and family pressures aren’t separate issues. They’re one life.

‘The real challenge isn't access to services. It's how well we connect them around the lives of whānau … We talk a lot about integration, partnership, collaboration and whānau-centred care, but what does genuine collaboration actually look like?’

Read full article 👉 https://www.teorapuawai.nz/post/opinion-south-auckland-doesn-t-need-another-silo-we-need-to-get-better-at-working-together

📢 REGISTER NOW FOR OUR NEXT COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKSHOP!Think you know your numbers? 👀Well … you haven’t been to one of ou...
18/08/2026

📢 REGISTER NOW FOR OUR NEXT COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKSHOP!

Think you know your numbers? 👀
Well … you haven’t been to one of our group sessions yet! 🤗

Come along and find out what those blood pressure numbers actually mean, why they matter, and what you can do to protect your heart health.

Our longstanding clinical partners from Otara Family and Christian Health Centre will take us through Health, Hypertension & Heart Health in a practical, easy-to-understand and interactive session.

This interactive session will help you understand:
✅ Your blood pressure numbers
✅ The impact of hypertension on your health
✅ Practical ways to look after your heart and wellbeing

Bring your questions, bring your whānau and come prepared for some good kōrero.

❤️ Know your numbers — and more importantly, know what they mean!

Spaces are limited — REGISTER NOW to secure your spot 👉 https://form.jotform.com/261687386411060

Or call us 👉 0800 696 242

☕ Light refreshments provided


🌺Mālō e lelei! This week we invite you to join us in celebrating Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga | Tongan Language W...
16/08/2026

🌺Mālō e lelei! This week we invite you to join us in celebrating Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga | Tongan Language Week – honouring the richness of the Tongan language, culture and identity.

The theme is Ko 'etau hiva, ko e fe'unu mahu'inga ia ki he mo'ui 'a e Tonga - Our music is a vital strand of our Tongan culture.

Music holds a special place in Tongan life. Through hiva (song), stories are shared, values expressed, ancestors remembered and important occasions celebrated. The theme reminds us that our songs carry more than melody. They carry our stories, our faith, our identity, our memories and the voices of generations before us.

Across South Auckland, our Tongan communities continue to enrich our workplaces, churches, schools, neighbourhoods and families with their language, values, leadership and alofa.

From all of us at TOP and Waiora Wellness Clinic, we celebrate our Tongan kāinga this week and always.

Tauhi ‘a e Lea Faka-Tonga - speak it, share it, sing it and pass it on. 🇹🇴✨ 🎶

Habit Health – Falls Prevention Information Session Today we had the pleasure of working alongside Habit Health, with ev...
11/08/2026

Habit Health – Falls Prevention Information Session

Today we had the pleasure of working alongside Habit Health, with everyone warmly hosted by Haumaru Housing – Ōtara Senior Courts and Hills Road, Ōtara.

It was a full house, with just under 40 seniors joining us for another valuable and well-received information session. The main focus was falls-prevention, avoiding trips, and maintaining stability and confidence when moving around. 🚶‍♂️🙆‍♀️

Habit Health shared practical advice on how seniors can make their homes safer, including being mindful of mats and rugs, correct foot placement, navigating stairs safely, and techniques for rising safely from a seated position.

There was plenty of interest and many questions afterwards, showing just how relevant this information was to our seniors.

And of course, it wasn’t all learning! We danced, ate, laughed and communed together, making it a wonderful opportunity for connection as well as education.

One of the strongest messages from participants was that they would love to have more access to sessions and opportunities like this.

What’s your favourite way to stay active, mobile and confident as you get older?

Kua hinga he tōtara i te wao nui a Tāne.Ka tangi te ngākau, ka heke ngā roimata mō tō tātou rangatira kua mene atu ki tu...
04/08/2026

Kua hinga he tōtara i te wao nui a Tāne.
Ka tangi te ngākau, ka heke ngā roimata mō tō tātou rangatira kua mene atu ki tua o te ārai.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Matua Jeff Tukua, who passed away at Middlemore Hospital yesterday, Monday 3 August 2026.

Although Matua Jeff had recently joined Te Ora Puāwai as a patient, his journey with us began many years ago. He walked alongside us from the establishment of the Thriving Ōtara Movement in 2016, through the birth of Te Ora Puāwai in 2021, and continued to serve our kaupapa as a valued director and trustee/shareholder on the Te Ora Puāwai Board of directors.

Matua Jeff was deeply committed to serving our people and contributed to many kaupapa throughout Otara, South Auckland and across the motu.

CEO of Te Ora Puāwai Mark Simiona said Matua Jeff's "wisdom, leadership, and cheeky demeanour", would be missed. “He was always a joy to have around, keeping us smiling and regularly keeping us on our toes.”

“This is a deeply sad day for our Te Ora Puāwai whānau. Our thoughts, prayers and aroha are with Matua Jeff’s whānau, and all those who knew and loved him, during this difficult time.”

Haere, haere, haere atu rā, Matua Jeff.
Haere mārie, tōku Matua, tōku rangatira.
Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai rā.

Go well, Matua Jeff, and rest in love. 💗

🌴 Kia Orana!As we kick off the celebrations for Cook Islands Māori Language Week, we reflect on the vital role language ...
01/08/2026

🌴 Kia Orana!
As we kick off the celebrations for Cook Islands Māori Language Week, we reflect on the vital role language plays in connecting people to their culture, identity, and heritage.

This year’s theme, “Me kite koe i te tuatua i to’ou reo tupuna, e turanga rangatira tena nō’ou no te uki amuri atu” (With our language as our foundation, we will embrace the future), highlights the importance of passing our ancestral language on to future generations.

Language is more than communication. It carries the history, stories, values, and worldview of a people. By keeping traditional languages alive, we ensure these treasures continue to inspire and strengthen generations to come.

💬 How are you celebrating Cook Islands Māori Language Week? Share your favourite Cook Islands Māori word, phrase, memory, or tradition in the comments and help us celebrate the richness of the language and culture.

What an incredible day of learning, laughter, and connection at our recent Diabetes Shared Medical Appointment with our ...
31/07/2026

What an incredible day of learning, laughter, and connection at our recent Diabetes Shared Medical Appointment with our wonderful partners Otara Family and Christian Health Centre 🤗

Our doctors shared practical advice on diabetes management, healthy eating, the HbA1c blood test (which measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2 - 3 months), medications, and the importance of everyday movement. 🚶‍♂️🙆‍♀️

But it was our participants who made the day so special. They asked the hard questions, shared their personal stories, laughed, danced, encouraged one another, and left with practical knowledge they can use to better care for themselves and their whānau.

Our heart-felt thanks to everyone who attended and to our amazing clinical team for creating a safe space to learn, connect, and support one another.

📅 Our Shared Medical Appointments are held on the last Thursday of every month. We look forward to seeing you at the next one!

💚 Small steps. Shared knowledge. Healthier whānau.

Language is more than words. It is a connection to our ancestors, our identity, and our future. 🌺As Cook Islands Māori L...
30/07/2026

Language is more than words. It is a connection to our ancestors, our identity, and our future.

🌺As Cook Islands Māori Language Week starts on Sunday 2 August, Te Ora Puāwai - Waiora Wellness Centre CEO Mark Simiona reflects on why preserving and celebrating our reo is so important.

"Kia orana kotou katoatoa,

A te rā Tapati, 2 Aukute, ka akamata te Epetoma o te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani. Kua akamaroiroi teia iaku kia apii akaou i toku reo, e kia tuku atu i te reira ki tā tatou tamariki e te mokopuna.

From 2–8 August 2026, we celebrate Cook Islands Māori Language Week. It has inspired me to reconnect with my reo and to pass it on to our children and grandchildren.

The theme is: “Me kite koe i te tuatua i to’ou reo tupuna, e turanga rangatira tena nō’ou no te uki amuri atu.” (With our language as our foundation, we will embrace the future.)

This theme reminds me that our language connects generations. It carries the stories, values and wisdom of those who came before us and provides a strong foundation for those who will follow.

It has inspired me to reconnect with my reo and to pass it on to our children and grandchildren.

I come from Araura Enua, known now as Aitutaki. My mum was born in Amuri and raised in Vaipae village, while my dad was born and raised in Tautu village. Their stories and values remain an important part of who I am.

Like many Cook Islanders raised away from our islands, I recognise how easily our reo can become quieter with each generation.

However, we do not need to be fluent before we begin reconnecting.

A greeting, prayer, song or family story shared at home can help our tamariki and mokopuna understand who they are and where they come from.

As CEO of Te Ora Puāwai - Waiora Wellness Centre, I believe language, culture and identity are fundamental to the wellbeing of our people. They should be reflected in how we lead, serve, and care for our communities in everything we do.

My commitment is to continue learning and speaking my reo and to encourage the next generation to carry their identity with confidence.

Our parents and grandparents carried our language for us. Now it is our responsibility to carry it forward.

Kia vai ē kia tupu te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani."

(Photo fr left: Hanna Simiona, Mark, Papa Keu Mataroa the Honorable Cook Island Consulate General, Michelle Simiona and Julia (Julz) Areaiiti at Maine Kuki Airani Niu Tireni 2024, Miss Cook Islands Aotearoa 2024.)

Learning how to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing. ❤️‍🩹Th...
14/07/2026

Learning how to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing. ❤️‍🩹

This week Te Ora Puāwai, in partnership with Haumaru Housing, hosted an engaging workshop at Acacia Court in Papatoetoe, South Auckland giving residents practical tips and information about hypertension.

By increasing awareness and encouraging early detection of high blood pressure, we can empower individuals to take positive steps towards better heart health and help reduce the burden of preventable disease.

This workshop is part of a monthly series co-hosted by Te Ora Puawai and Haumaru Housing at their housing villages, providing residents with practical health information and support.

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38 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere
Auckland
2022

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Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
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