Tēnā tātou e ngā tini āhuatanga o te wā,
We are delighted to share highlights from the Hora Te Pai Health Services Charitable Trust Annual General Meeting, held at Whakarongotai Marae on Sunday, 17 November 2024. The hui was followed by a beautiful hākari, lovingly prepared by Te whānau Kearney. Kua puta ā pito. E mihi nui ana ki ngā Ringawera o Te Aorewa.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Deputy Mayor Lawrence Kirby who delivered a rich kōrero. Lawrence’s passion for our community’s health and well-being, equity, and building a prosperous legacy for future generations is truly inspiring. As an active leader in the community and social sector, and a pastor, he understands first-hand the challenges our district faces. Lawrence shares connections with Hora Te Pai through our collaborations with Kapiti Impact Trust which are deeply valued.
This year, we had three vacancies on our Board of Trustees. We are thrilled to welcome back Cassidy Pidduck, an uri of Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai. Cassidy has been a valuable asset to our organisation, serving as Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and a member of our Building Committee. Cassidy and her partner, Ethan, own GID Foundations, a Kapiti-based business providing financial management and executive support services to Māori organisations nationwide.
Looking ahead, the Board has identified two key areas of focus: engaging in Māori wellbeing and clinical research to support our workforce development aspirations and establishing our own rongoā services. Alongside Cassidy, we are excited to welcome Kiri Parata and Vanessa Eldridge to the Board.
Kiri Parata, another uri of Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai and a PhD candidate at Massey University, brings a unique blend of academic and community experience. Her research, grounded in the commitment of her whānau to intergenerational advancement, aims to improve Māori health outcomes. Kiri’s expertise, networks, and experience will be invaluable as we strengthen our research and evaluation capabilities.
Vanessa Eldridge, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu, is a qualified nurse, palliative care specialist, educator, and bi-cultural supervisor. She is deeply committed to Māori health and wellbeing. Vanessa’s extensive experience in hospices led to the development of a nationally recognised Māori Mate model, which she has shared at conferences worldwide. We are confident that her expertise and networks will be invaluable as we expand our rongoā services.
We also express our deep gratitude to Tio Taiaki and Chris Gerretzen who finish their terms on Hora Te Pai’s Trust Board. Tio’s term as Trustee has come to an end, and his instrumental contributions to some of Hora Te Pai’s key achievements during his tenure are greatly appreciated. Chris’ term as Trustee ended a while ago, but he graciously offered to stay on the Board as Chairman for another year. His steady hand, sound leadership, and guidance have significantly enhanced Hora Te Pai’s trajectory over the past years.
Thank you to everyone who attended our hui-ā-tau on Sunday. We extend our warm thanks to Whakarongotai Marae Trustees, Te Kaunihera Kaumatua, and Mana Whenua for their support.
Enclosed is a copy of this year’s Hora Te Pai, Te Pūrongo ā Tau 2024 Report.
Hora Te Pai – Annual Report 2024_Website Version
Hora Te Pai AGM 2024