There's not enough appreciation of the Maori culture in Wanganui, says Gilbert Taurua, the Whanganui District Health Board's outgoing director of Maori health.
Mr Taurua leaves Wanganui on Friday for the South Island. He says Whanganui Maori faced a number of challenges such as the high rates of tobacco use, mental health and addictions, and the high birth rate "which doesn't always lead to good outcomes".
But there are also plenty of positives.
"Everyone hears about how poor Maori health statistics are, and certainly that is a problem. But there's more to Maori than that. We have many Maori here in Wanganui who are still practising traditional medicine and rituals, and I think that's fantastic."
Mr Taurua is a firm believer in individuals in the health system being treated in the context of the family, and is pleased with the progress that's been made in Wanganui Hospital in this area.
"It's a challenge for hospitals to offer family-inclusive health care. And part of that challenge is that some of our Maori families can be very demanding, especially in end of life situations."
Mr Taurua said the hospital was currently training its staff - particularly frontline staff - in how to deal with large families who arrive to support a patient.
"The more we can include families in the treatment of individuals the better the outcomes can be. And we're not just talking about Maori - I believe anyone of any ethnicity can benefit from this approach."
He is a champion of encouraging young Maori students into the health system, and pleased by the high numbers of Maori staff the DHB employs.
"I'm not saying people of other ethnicities can't help Maori. But when you have a Maori health professional dealing with a Maori patient, the masks come off much easier."
Mr Taurua is moving to Christchurch for family reasons.
"About 20 months ago my wife and I adopted a little boy, and he turned out to have some serious health issues. My wife would like to be closer to her people for their support, so we're going."
He will be the southern regional manager of the Health Promotion Agency.
Although Mr Taurua was not born or raised in Wanganui, he has strong whanau links and felt at home from the start.
"My mother was from up the river, and I feel a definite spiritual connection to the awa," Mr Taurua said.
An admiration for Maori Party co-leader and Te Tai Hauauru MP Tariana Turia encouraged Mr Taurua to take the Wanganui position in the first place.
"I really liked what she was doing with health, I liked Whanau Ora, and I was interested in how I could support the implementation of Whanau Ora in Wanganui.
Whanau Ora is a programme whose core idea is to empower and support communities and extended families and whanau within the community context, rather than individuals within an institutional context. It was a cornerstone of the coalition agreement between the National Party and the Maori Party.
"I know in some quarters Whanau Ora has been controversial, but I do believe it has the opportunity to change Maori health outcomes for the better. It inspires me," Mr Taurua said.
DHB chief executive Julie Patterson praised Mr Taurua for his gift in forming connections.
"One of Gilbert's greatest strengths has been the wonderful way in which he's built meaningful relationships with both our Maori and Pakeha communities.
"Gilbert has been very active regionally and nationally. He's had a particular interest in improving the Maori workforce."
Mrs Patterson said Mr Taurua's replacement is being sought, but in the meantime, Rowena Kui has been appointed interim director Maori Health.
As for Mr Taurua, he feels that he has unfinished business in Wanganui and with the DHB.
"I'm sure I will be back here one day."