National Evaluation of Kia Ora Hauora
Project Background
Kia Ora Hauora Māori is a national programme aimed to promote careers for Māori in the health and disability sector. Kia Ora Hauora was established in 2009 in response to the national and international shortage of health sector workers and the demand for more Māori health professionals. Kia Ora Hauora is led by four District Health Board (DHB) hubs which actively deliver the programme within their rohe. They are, Northern, Midlands, Central and Te Waipounamu. Kia Ora Hauora provides support and programmes to motivate, engage and recruit Māori secondary and tertiary students, current Māori health workers, and Māori community members in health-careers, both clinical and non-clinical.
What we did
The evaluation methodology utilised a culturally responsive and inclusive approach through a sequential mixed-method design that employed both qualitative and quantitative data and analyses. The first phase was a document review. The purpose was to gain a picture of the programme across the regions it operates in, and to ascertain its impact. Findings were then used to construct stakeholder interviews.
Phase 2 involved semi-structured interviews with tauira, Kia Ora Hauora alumni, whānau, stakeholders and Kia Ora Hauora staff across the four regions. Key themes emerging from both document analysis and interview findings informed the development of two national surveys. The first survey for tauira currently enrolled in Kia Ora Hauora and tertiary/university study and the second for Kia Ora Hauora alumni who had graduated from their studies. The aim was to establish trustworthiness of interview and document findings associated with the impact of Kia Ora Hauora, as well as identify key enablers and barriers.
Outcome
This evaluation builds on previous evaluations, that have found Kia Ora Hauora makes a vital contribution to realising the best health outcomes for Māori through workforce development. The programme provides an essential kaupapa Māori approach, that strengthens Māori engagement and success in health-science related careers. Kia Ora Hauora alumni report increased confidence, supportive transitioning to employment and positive changes in their personal lives because of being engaged in the programme. Evaluation evidence highlighted the many interrelated benefits of Kia Ora Hauora and the considerable impact it is having on those engaged.
" Support is everything. I am thankful to know I am important in this world and that I matter. Kia Ora Hauora gives me that feeling. Nga mihi maioha”
-Tauira
Find out how we can help you
We’ll work with you to find out what’s working, where investment could be put to best use or how to improve anything not going to plan. We can help you define success and set tangible, measurable goals. And we talk in real language so you can understand and engage with the findings. We engage with the community to conduct community research and consultations for private companies, trusts, government agencies, NGOs and more. But we have a special interest in research that has a purpose - to better society and teach lessons. We aim to help those we work with build capacity to enact positive change.
