A new partnership between Ngati Ranginui iwi and the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation is set to tackle Maori health issues head on.
The Mauri Ora Project, which was signed last Friday, aimed to address health issues identified by hapu and marae groups.
Mauri Ora project manager Charlie Rahiri said the partnership would be about recognising health deprivation and how the iwi could take a role in helping alleviate the issues.
"It's about achieving positive health and increase health literacy," Mr Rahiri said.
Mr Rahiri said the project came from a desire from the marae to tackle health issues.