Empowering Community Wellbeing: The M.E.K.E. Initiative a Pro-Equity Approach to United Health and Fitness
Tracks
Room 4 - In-Person Only
| Monday, October 21, 2024 |
| 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM |
| Room 4 |
Overview
Rachel Forrest & Levi Armstrong
Speaker
Mr Levi Armstrong
General Manager
The Meke Foundation
Empowering Community Wellbeing: The M.E.K.E. Initiative a Pro-Equity Approach to United Health and Fitness.
Abstract
The M.E.K.E. Initiative has been a transformative community project aimed at enhancing health and fitness equity within the Maraenui community and empowering community members to make positive lifestyle choices. The initiative's core components include three kaupapa Māori social
enterprise ventures: the Patu healthy lifestyle programs, the Meke Meter wellbeing self-assessment tool, and the Domynis wellbeing pod—a mobile gym designed by Māori, for Māori. Collectively, these enterprises foster a holistic approach to hauora, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and
spiritual dimensions embacing Te Whare Tapa Whā model. Using a case study approach and appreciative inquiry methodology, community members shared their experiences and perceptions of the initiative's impact on individual and collective health.
Data collection methods, such as individual and group interviews, along with anonymous feedback forms, provided valuable insights into the initiative's effectiveness and areas for improvement. The study
emphasised the importance of whanaungataunga, community engagement, amplifying voices, and celebrating successes. Themes of community unity facilitated by inclusiveness and accessibilty, empowerment through cultural relevance, and the positive impacts on individual and collective wellbeing were echoed in the purakau shared by the community. Stakeholders, including Maraenui residents, non-residents associated with Maraenui, Napier City Council, and New Zealand police, expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, highlighting its positive effects on community
health and wellbeing. Overall, the M.E.K.E. Initiative serves as a model for collaborative, culturally responsive health initiatives that promote unity, wellness, and equity within predominantly Māori communities.
enterprise ventures: the Patu healthy lifestyle programs, the Meke Meter wellbeing self-assessment tool, and the Domynis wellbeing pod—a mobile gym designed by Māori, for Māori. Collectively, these enterprises foster a holistic approach to hauora, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and
spiritual dimensions embacing Te Whare Tapa Whā model. Using a case study approach and appreciative inquiry methodology, community members shared their experiences and perceptions of the initiative's impact on individual and collective health.
Data collection methods, such as individual and group interviews, along with anonymous feedback forms, provided valuable insights into the initiative's effectiveness and areas for improvement. The study
emphasised the importance of whanaungataunga, community engagement, amplifying voices, and celebrating successes. Themes of community unity facilitated by inclusiveness and accessibilty, empowerment through cultural relevance, and the positive impacts on individual and collective wellbeing were echoed in the purakau shared by the community. Stakeholders, including Maraenui residents, non-residents associated with Maraenui, Napier City Council, and New Zealand police, expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, highlighting its positive effects on community
health and wellbeing. Overall, the M.E.K.E. Initiative serves as a model for collaborative, culturally responsive health initiatives that promote unity, wellness, and equity within predominantly Māori communities.
Biography
Rachel Forrest
Empowering Community Wellbeing: The M.E.K.E. Initiative a Pro-Equity Approach to United Health and Fitness.
Abstract
The M.E.K.E. Initiative has been a transformative community project aimed at enhancing health and fitness equity within the Maraenui community and empowering community members to make positive lifestyle choices. The initiative's core components include three kaupapa Māori social enterprise ventures: the Patu healthy lifestyle programs, the Meke Meter wellbeing self-assessment
tool, and the Domynis wellbeing pod—a mobile gym designed by Māori, for Māori. Collectively, these enterprises foster a holistic approach to hauora, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions embacing Te Whare Tapa Whā model.
Using a case study approach and appreciative inquiry methodology, community members shared their experiences and perceptions of the initiative's impact on individual and collective health. Data collection methods, such as individual and group interviews, along with anonymous feedback forms, provided valuable insights into the initiative's effectiveness and areas for improvement. The study emphasised the importance of whanaungataunga, community engagement, amplifying voices, and celebrating successes. Themes of community unity facilitated by inclusiveness and accessibilty, empowerment through cultural relevance, and the positive impacts on individual and collective wellbeing were echoed in the purakau shared by the community. Stakeholders, including Maraenui residents, non-residents associated with Maraenui, Napier City Council, and New Zealand police, expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, highlighting its positive effects on community health and wellbeing.
Overall, the M.E.K.E. Initiative serves as a model for collaborative, culturally responsive health initiatives that promote unity, wellness, and equity within predominantly Māori communities.
tool, and the Domynis wellbeing pod—a mobile gym designed by Māori, for Māori. Collectively, these enterprises foster a holistic approach to hauora, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions embacing Te Whare Tapa Whā model.
Using a case study approach and appreciative inquiry methodology, community members shared their experiences and perceptions of the initiative's impact on individual and collective health. Data collection methods, such as individual and group interviews, along with anonymous feedback forms, provided valuable insights into the initiative's effectiveness and areas for improvement. The study emphasised the importance of whanaungataunga, community engagement, amplifying voices, and celebrating successes. Themes of community unity facilitated by inclusiveness and accessibilty, empowerment through cultural relevance, and the positive impacts on individual and collective wellbeing were echoed in the purakau shared by the community. Stakeholders, including Maraenui residents, non-residents associated with Maraenui, Napier City Council, and New Zealand police, expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, highlighting its positive effects on community health and wellbeing.
Overall, the M.E.K.E. Initiative serves as a model for collaborative, culturally responsive health initiatives that promote unity, wellness, and equity within predominantly Māori communities.
Biography
Dr Rachel Forrest (BSc Zoology, PG Dip Laboratory Technology, PhD Molecular Genetics) was born and raised in Marton, Rangitikei. Paternally, she is of Ngāti Maniapoto descent, while maternally she has European roots. Rachel has lived in the Hawke’s Bay since 2008 where her research has focused on culturally and community-responsive health initiatives to reach under-serviced communities. Rachel’s research passion is enhancing the health and wellbeing of both humans and animals. Her research often falls under the umbrella of “One Welfare”, a concept that recognises that human wellbeing, animal welfare, and the environment are all interconnected, which aligns well with te ao Māori.
