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September 2026

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Ngāti Porou Oranga (NPO) is in Tāmaki Makaurau this weekend for the 30th anniversary Hui-ā-Tau and Scientific Conference of Te ORA – the Māori Medical Practitioners Association.

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The three-day conference began on Friday 4 September with a mihi whakatau at Waipapa Marae, University of Auckland, bringing together Māori medical students, graduates, interns, researchers and practitioners from across Aotearoa.

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For Ngāti Porou Oranga, the hui is an opportunity to acknowledge a long history of Māori medical practitioners who have contributed their expertise, leadership and service to the health and wellbeing of Ngāti Porou whānau.

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Interim Chief Executive Gilbert Taurua said hearing those stories had been a highlight of the opening day.

There is a real legacy of Māori medical practitioners who have supported our organisation over the years. It has been amazing to hear the many stories of people who have dedicated a number of their years to supporting the work of Ngāti Porou Oranga.

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NPO also joined the conference trade show on Friday afternoon, connecting with over 200 attendees and sharing the opportunities to work, learn and contribute within Ngāti Porou Oranga and across Te Tairāwhiti.

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With the conference continuing across Saturday and Sunday, the NPO team is using the opportunity to build relationships and encourage emerging Māori medical practitioners to consider bringing their skills and experience to Te Tairāwhiti.

We’re really hoping to encourage some of our newer Māori medical practitioners to come through to the Coast and help us take our kaupapa to the next level, Gilbert said.

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Recruiting and retaining a strong health workforce is particularly important for the rural and geographically dispersed communities NPO serves across Ngāti Porou.

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Te ORA provides an opportunity to connect directly with Māori practitioners who understand the importance of culturally grounded care and may see a future for themselves working alongside our whānau and communities.

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The Te ORA Hui-ā-Tau and Scientific Conference continues in Tāmaki Makaurau until Sunday 6 September.

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