Anglican Care Waiapu (ACW) proudly launched Strategy 2025 and Beyond across the Waiapu region in mid-July.
The strategy reflects Te Oranga Ake o te Iwi, o te Ao, developed by Archbishop Don Tamihere and Archdeacon Michael Tamihere, and is also in step with the Diocese of Waiapu’s strategic direction.
It is built on staff knowing ACW’s past and appreciating its identity as an Anglican organisation.
“This is a living strategy that is guided by our values and our aspirations of the people we serve,” says ACW CEO, Rawhia Te Hau-Grant.
The strategy has four main priorities – whakapapa, connection, equity and innovation.
Those priorities are formed from three underpinning values – Aroha (Love), Rongo (Peace) and Hari (Joy).
She reflected on the organisation’s journey so far, describing the shift from a whare built on sand to one built on rock.
She credited the transformation to the dedication of their people, especially through challenges like COVID and Cyclone Gabrielle, and emphasised continued investment in people, facilities and systems.
Ruihana Paenga, Archdeacon for Leadership, says these values express the Kingdom, and the Spirit of God.
“We can take guidance from scripture. Love is humility, it is gratitude, it is compassion.
“Peace is a contentment, it’s an ability to be still, no matter what storms might be occurring.
“And a person who lives, understands and exudes these values has a true sense of joy, and fulfilment of potential,” Archdeacon Paenga says.
“As a community-based service we have honoured manaakitanga as our centrepiece for everything we do. I think this new strategy just really ties all of that together, and I see so much of our service in it already,” Kelly Wylie, Tararua Community Services manager, says.
Ruihana Paenga, says Te Oranga Ake is underpinned by interpreting scripture through an indigenous lens.
“The Kingdom of God is not a physical place, but a place where hearts and minds are shaped.”
The Te Oranga Ake o te Iwi, o te Ao framework incorporates Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with a strong focus on partnership and the place of the Anglican Church as the ‘Church of the Treaty.’
Senior Leaders gathered at Hauiti Marae ahead of the launch to reflect on the strategy and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including the often-overlooked 4th Article that protects the religious beliefs of both Māori and Pākehā. They considered what Te Tiriti means personally, in their mahi and in service to their communities.
At the noho marae, Uawa local June Tangohau of Ngāti Oneone spoke about her iwi’s occupation of land near the Port of Gisborne, seeking its return. She described it as a modern example of a Treaty breach, as the land is no longer used for the purpose it was taken under the Public Works Act 95 years ago.
Erin Batley, Bay of Plenty-based ECE Service Manager is excited by the potential on offer by the strategy, with its incorporation of Te Tiriti aligning with her Whānau Aroha Service.
“It provides an opportunity to invest in people, it is removing barriers for whānau and Tamariki and encouraging thriving in all areas,” she says.
“I look forward to Flourishing Together – Te Oranga Ake,” says Te Hau-Grant.