April 2026

In 1995, a group of Māori midwives in South Auckland set out to change the way wāhine Māori experienced health care. They established Te Putea o Pua Trust with a direct kaupapa: address the inequities affecting Māori mothers, their pēpi and whānau.

Three decades on, the organisation they built has become a major kaupapa Māori health provider. Turuki Health Care now delivers integrated health, mental health and addiction, social and wellbeing services across South and East Auckland.

Te Rau Ora congratulates Turuki Health Care on this milestone.

“Turuki Health Care has given 30 years of service to the health and wellbeing of Māori, not just in Tāmaki Makaurau and South Auckland, but across the country,” says Riki Nia Nia, Chief Executive of Te Rau Ora. “I also acknowledge the remarkable innovation they have advanced in this area.”

A kaupapa that began with Māori midwives

The early growth of Turuki was shaped by Syd Jackson, who managed the service as it expanded from its midwifery origins into a broader model of integrated care.

In 2002, Turuki relocated to Canning Crescent in Māngere, where the building was opened by Dame Tariana Turia. The board formed at that time included Syd Jackson as chair, Janice Kuka, Dr Colin Mantell, Bill Takerei, Dr Irihapeti Ramsden, Timi Maipi and Haki Waikato as kaumātua.

Following Syd’s passing, the kaupapa and organisation underwent a reset in 2008 and was renamed Turuki Health Care Charitable Trust. The service continued to grow while holding firmly to its founding vision: “Oranga wahine, Oranga whaanau.”

Leadership rooted in service

Te Puea Winiata ONZM has served as Chief Executive of Turuki Health Care since 2010.

Before leading Turuki, Te Puea trained as an addiction counsellor and care and protection social worker. She founded Te Ātea Marino, a kaupapa Māori addiction service, and served as manager of Community Alcohol and Drug Services in South Auckland. She also helped establish Te Ira, supporting whānau affected by imprisonment.

“Te Puea has led Turuki through many different challenges and opportunities, including COVID,” Riki says. “She is a real champion for the Māori health workforce, Māori health leadership, and innovation at the community level.”

Under her leadership, Turuki drew on Indigenous models such as the Southcentral Foundation in Alaska to strengthen an integrated system of clinical, cultural and social care.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Turuki team mobilised to provide holistic support, including access to traditional healers, to more than 100,000 people experiencing anxiety and stress.

In 2021, Turuki received the Supreme Award, Community Engagement Award and Innovation Award at the ProCare Quality Awards. Te Puea was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2023 for services to Māori and health.

Deep roots with Te Rau Ora

The relationship between Turuki Health Care and Te Rau Ora reaches back through the history of both organisations.

Te Puea was one of the first governance members of Te Rau Matatini, established in 2002 as the first Māori mental health workforce development centre in Aotearoa. She later chaired the Board of Te Rau Ora from 2017 to 2022 and continues to serve as a Board member.

“Te Puea has been a pillar of strength, knowledge and wisdom for both Te Rau Matatini and Te Rau Ora,” Riki says. “A big mihi to Te Puea, to all the kaimahi at Turuki, and to the service they have provided to whānau in Tāmaki Makaurau and across the motu.”

Te Puea is also profiled on the 100 Māori Leaders platform, hosted by Te Rau Ora.

Still growing, still grounded

Turuki continues to evolve in response to the aspirations of whānau and the changing environment around it. The organisation has extended into East Auckland, holds a national contract with Oranga Tamariki, and has incorporated outreach, telehealth, wairua services and workforce development into its delivery.

Through every stage of that growth, the kaupapa established by its founding midwives has remained at the centre.

Te Rau Ora celebrates Turuki Health Care and acknowledges the founders, leaders, board members, kaimahi, whānau and communities who have shaped its first three decades.

Te Rau Ora celebrates Turuki Health Care and all the kaimahi, whānau, and communities who have shaped its first 30 years.

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