Whanganui District Health Board has welcomed four new staff members to their Maori Health Services.
They are Ned Tapa (Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi, Nga Puhi, Ngati Kahungungu), Brenda Nelson (Te Iwi Morehu, Ngati Apa ki te Ra To), Carwyn Taitumu (Ngati Poutama, Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Hauiti) and Crystal Hika (Te
Atihaunui-a-Paparangi, Te Ati Awa, Ngati Apa, Kai Tahu).
Guided by recently appointed Maori Health Services clinical manager Rihi Karena (Nga Wairiki/Ngati Apa, Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi, Nga Rauru, Ngati Ruanui), the whanau support workers will help people use DHB services and be part of improving the health and wellbeing of families.
The workers will look at the effect housing, income and agencies have on the Maori population when considering health issues, said Maori Health Services director Rowena Kui.
Mrs Kui said judging by the large number of WDHB staff, friends and family members who attended Monday's powhiri to welcome the whanau support workers, "there is a great deal of support for them and the work they will be doing to improve the health of Maori".
