Implementation Pilots Summary

AvaNiu Pasifika

AvaNiu launched an exciting new health and wellness initiative using the Ol@-Or@ app for Pacific elders and staff. The program was implemented through AvaNiu's existing Matua Lelei group - a tight-knit community of 15 Pacific elders aged 50 and over. Five AvaNiu staff members aged 25-39 also participated, creating an intergenerational dynamic.

The 12-week Ol@-Or@ program was adapted from its original app-focused format. While the Ol@-Or@ app remained a key tool, the sessions had a broader wellness scope. Participants first completed a survey to establish a baseline for their mental and physical health. Then, a series of biweekly in-person sessions were held to promote holistic wellbeing.

Each 3-hour session covered different health topics and activities tailored for the Pacific elders. Visiting experts like a hearing therapist, social gerontologist, and IRD representatives gave informative presentations. General medical checks monitored vitals like blood pressure and weight. But the sessions also included plenty of fun - seated Zumba, Pasifika dance aerobics, and nutritious cooking demos got everyone moving!

Participating in the program also gave the elders a sense of community and fellowship. “I also like the ability to invite friends, create groups like private groups and set snacktivities or goals or challenges for the group. That was quite good.” “It gives us something to look forward to every week.”

Between sessions, participants used the Ol@-Or@ app's goal-setting, recipe, and "snacktivity" features to continue their wellness journey. Many formed virtual "family" groups within the app to encourage each other.

By seamlessly integrating the program into AvaNiu's pre-existing Matua Lelei community, the Ol@-Or@ initiative was able to hit the ground running. Elders who also participated in AvaNiu's GP outreach clinic received extra health support.

The thoughtful integration of technology, education, physical activity, and social connection made this program a holistic success for AvaNiu's Pacific elders.

Village Collective

At Village Collective, supporting the vibrant Pasifika Rainbow youth community means taking a holistic approach to wellbeing. That's why they jumped at the chance to integrate the innovative Ol@-Or@ app into their existing Leadership Program.

The Leadership Program already provided a weekly safe space for up to 15 Pasifika Rainbow young people to develop skills and confidence. But Village Collective saw Ol@-Or@ as the perfect complementary initiative to nurture participants' physical and mental health too.

Every other week, the hourlong Ol@-Or@ sessions created time for candid discussion and learning around healthier lifestyles. Alongside utilizing the Ol@-Or@ app's handy goal-tracking features, participants explored topics like nutrition, exercise, and self-care activities. A fan-favorite was the interactive skincare workshop, where each young person received a starter kit to kickstart their routine.

But this wasn't just lecture-style teaching. The sessions encouraged vulnerability and openness as the youth shared struggles and tips with each other. Sugary snacks were replaced with nourishing alternatives to model balanced food choices. Mentors also provided weekly check-ins beyond the sessions to cheer on app engagement.

As the program continues nurturing Wave 1 participants, Village Collective has already started a Wave 2 group - proof of the programme’s resonance. The organization hopes to keep expanding so more Pasifika Rainbow youth can access this transformative mind-body-spirit experience.

By innovatively linking Ol@-Or@ to their pre-existing Leadership Program, Village Collective ensured this health initiative could blossom within an already transcendent space of identity affirmation and skills development. It's a shining example of holistic programming done right.

Te Hiku Hauora

Te Hiku Hauora, our community health hub in Kaitaia, recently introduced a new program aimed at supporting young mothers in their wellness journey. This initiative, adapted from the Poutiri Tane Hauora program, focuses on nutrition and physical activity to promote long-term health benefits.

When approached by the Healthier Lives Implementation Network, Jo Urlich, General Manager for Community Services, saw an opportunity to create a program that truly resonated with our community's needs.

The 8-week program, led by Lena Kotua, takes a refreshing approach to health and wellness. Rather than emphasizing weight loss, it prioritizes regular participation and building confidence. Kotua recognizes the challenges many young mothers face, from recovery after childbirth to lack of childcare.

The program's goal is to remove barriers and create a supportive environment. It's not just about exercise; it's about building a community where māmā can connect, share experiences, and grow together.

Twelve mothers attended weekly gym sessions. The program aims to spark conversations about health for women and children, gradually introducing education on various aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Kotua and her team were careful not to overwhelm participants with too much information too soon. The focus was on creating positive associations with physical activity and overall well-being.

The long-term vision was clear: to increase awareness about lifestyle choices that can prevent chronic diseases, a significant issue for many Māori whānau in Northland. By fostering a positive relationship with physical activity and self-care, Te Hiku Hauora hopes to make a lasting impact on the health of our community.

This program represents a small but significant step towards healthier, more empowered families in their region.

Te Papa Tākaro

Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa took an innovative approach to improving hauora for whānau in the Te Arawa region through their T.A.H.O (Te Arawa Haka Ora) program. The 12-week initiative aimed to support 80 participants, including 30 tāne Māori, from five local kapa haka groups to increase physical activity levels in a culturally-relevant way.

Through a co-design process guided by Te Papa Takaro's cultural expertise, the program featured individualized physical activity plans developed by training experts, nutrition education, and health screenings by professionals. Participants engaged in activities on their own while being part of a supportive cohort.

The program provided funded gym memberships and group training sessions for kapa haka members leading up to the Te Arawa regional haka competition in March 2024. By aligning with participants' existing goals to prepare for this significant cultural event, T.A.H.O aimed to inspire sustainable hauora journeys grounded in tikanga Māori values and practices.

Kapa haka requires immense physical stamina, making its performers true athletes. The comradery and whānau connections within these groups provided an ideal environment to foster hauora through physical activity. By grounding the program in these cultural contexts, Te Papa Tākaro demonstrated an effective model for long-term Māori wellness.