Tamariki Tū Tamariki Ora (Healthy, Thriving Children): Co-designing a Model. of Care Pathway for Tamariki
Tracks
Dingo Room: In-Person Only
| Tuesday, October 21, 2025 |
| 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM |
| Dingo Room (M4) |
Overview
Dr Nikki Barrett, Te Ngira: Institute of Population Research, University of Waikato
Presenter
Dr Nikki Barrett
Postdoctoral Fellow
Te Ngira: Institute Of Population Research, University Of Waikato
Tamariki Tū Tamariki Ora (Healthy, Thriving Children): Co-designing a Model of Care Pathway for Tamariki
Presentation Overview
This presentation shares the development and early insights of a Kaupapa Māori, tamariki-focused model of care pathway – Tamariki Tū, Tamariki Ora – co-designed through a partnership between Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust (KFST) and Te Ngira (University of Waikato). Grounded in the aspirations of tamariki and their whānau, and supported by a Health Research Council-funded postdoctoral fellowship, this research-centred kaupapa is transforming how Indigenous health and wellbeing is understood and supported in Aotearoa.
A central innovation within this model is the Tamariki Tū, Tamariki Ora Holistic Assessment Tool. Rather than a rigid checklist, this tool is designed as a culturally grounded kōrero guide that supports kaimahi to engage meaningfully with whānau. It draws on mātauranga Māori, lived experience, research evidence, and kaimahi insights, centring the tamaiti within three interwoven concepts: Ihi (identity and life force), Wehi (factors that strengthen the tamaiti), and Wana (whānau empowerment). Each layer prompts conversation on key health and wellbeing areas, supporting whānau-led discussion and revealing pathways for tailored support.
While the kōrero is led by whānau, a streamlined data entry process follows each visit—enabling kaimahi to record quality, consistent data without disrupting the relational essence of the mahi. The digital system features dropdowns, embedded referral pathways, and a task tracker to ensure follow-through.
Attendees will gain insight into this mana-enhancing model that affirms tamariki voice, supports whānau sovereignty, and embodies a spiritually, emotionally, and physically integrated Indigenous approach to wellbeing.
Three Key Learnings:
1. How co-designing with whānau, kaimahi, and researchers creates a responsive and evolving model of care for tamariki Māori – highlighting the integration of lived experience and evidence-based research.
2. The transformational impact of embedding research into practice – showing how scholarship can be woven meaningfully into frontline care to drive equity and authenticity.
3. Practical strategies to centre tamariki voice and lead change in participants’ own contexts – empowering attendees to advocate for and implement equity-focused actions in their work with tamariki and whānau.
A central innovation within this model is the Tamariki Tū, Tamariki Ora Holistic Assessment Tool. Rather than a rigid checklist, this tool is designed as a culturally grounded kōrero guide that supports kaimahi to engage meaningfully with whānau. It draws on mātauranga Māori, lived experience, research evidence, and kaimahi insights, centring the tamaiti within three interwoven concepts: Ihi (identity and life force), Wehi (factors that strengthen the tamaiti), and Wana (whānau empowerment). Each layer prompts conversation on key health and wellbeing areas, supporting whānau-led discussion and revealing pathways for tailored support.
While the kōrero is led by whānau, a streamlined data entry process follows each visit—enabling kaimahi to record quality, consistent data without disrupting the relational essence of the mahi. The digital system features dropdowns, embedded referral pathways, and a task tracker to ensure follow-through.
Attendees will gain insight into this mana-enhancing model that affirms tamariki voice, supports whānau sovereignty, and embodies a spiritually, emotionally, and physically integrated Indigenous approach to wellbeing.
Three Key Learnings:
1. How co-designing with whānau, kaimahi, and researchers creates a responsive and evolving model of care for tamariki Māori – highlighting the integration of lived experience and evidence-based research.
2. The transformational impact of embedding research into practice – showing how scholarship can be woven meaningfully into frontline care to drive equity and authenticity.
3. Practical strategies to centre tamariki voice and lead change in participants’ own contexts – empowering attendees to advocate for and implement equity-focused actions in their work with tamariki and whānau.
Biography
Dr Nikki Barrett (Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Porou) is a Māori researcher, educator, and community advocate committed to advancing Indigenous-led approaches to health and wellbeing. As the lead postdoctoral researcher on the Tamariki Tū, Tamariki Ora project, Nikki works closely with whānau, kaimahi, and service providers to strengthen Kaupapa Māori models of care. With a background in community-based research and a deep commitment to equity, Nikki brings both academic expertise and lived experience to this work. Nikki is passionate about creating spaces where tamariki and whānau voices are heard, valued, and centred in systems change.
