Whānau Ora 2.0: the real problem isn’t the who, it’s the what

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26686/pq.v22i1.10503

Keywords:

Whānau Ora, self-determination, mana motuhake, social investment, social impact, commissioning models

Abstract

The evolution of Whānau Ora is often seen as a contest between providers, but the deeper issue is the erosion of its original institutional logic. This shift weakens the policy’s transformative potential and risks diminishing Indigenous-led approaches to entrenched social issues. As social investment becomes more influential, understanding and intentionally applying models of impact creation is vital. Whānau Ora’s foundation in self-determination and relational practice offers valuable lessons that could significantly enhance contemporary investment strategies, but only if its core logic is preserved and applied with fidelity.

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Author Biographies

Sascha McMeeking, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Sacha McMeeking is a researcher and practitioner focused on social change and causal impact mechanisms to guide iwi and government investment. She was engaged in establishing Te Pūtahitanga and is currently a senior research fellow with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Catherine Leonard, Ihi Research

Catherine Leonard is research manager at Ihi Research, leading projects on social impact and community-driven change. A psychologist with a doctorate in education, she specialises in qualitative methods and evidence of transformation.

Helen Leahy, Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust

Helen Leahy is pou arahi /chief executive of Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust and former head of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu. She has led across Māori Development, parliamentary strategy and governance, and is the author of Crossing the Floor: the story of Tariana Turia.

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Published

2026-02-20

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026): Policy Quarterly

Section

Articles

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