A wonderful example of a collaborative, community-based approach where local community is in the driver’s seat is a community-based health promotion initiative in Tamaki, Auckland. This community has been involved every step of the way in the development of this initiative, from identifying community health needs and how they might be met, to naming the initiative.

The Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) introduced Healthy Village Action Zone as a three year primary health initiative in 2006. They planned to use the main meeting place in a Pacific village, the local church, to engage Pacific Peoples in health promotion.

Alfred and Mokauina Ngaro of the Tamaki Church in Panmure were enthusiastic about a project based on empowering community development. However, they did not want to support a project that was based on notions of deprivation and deficit. Previous service delivery strategies targeting ‘high need’ communities had cast a shadow over the neighbourhood. Experience had shown them that a deficit-based approach undermined community confidence.

The Cook Islands leaders in Panmure and Glen Innes saw an opportunity for collaboration between local residents, Pacific Churches, physical fitness services, the ADHB and Primary Health Organisations. Alfred said “The key was to draw on community wisdom, knowledge and enthusiasm, and let the people take leadership.”

Three Pacific Churches in Glen Innes worked together to develop a health promotion initiative. Community discussions began. Communities came up with their key health concerns and designed the programme. Times were set to fit in with the busy needs of diverse families. The funding and resources were provided by two local Pacific NGO health providers. The initiative was given a meaningful Cook Island Māori name – Ora’anga Kopapa Matutu - not an English name translated. Eight months later 500 people participated in a launch at which the Minister of Health and officials were the invited guests of the community. Community members shared a meal and their stories. It was an empowering and mind shifting event for the Pacific community.

Alfred Ngaro says Ora’anga Kopapa Matutu illustrates “core elements of community-led development in action.” Parties focused on generating “concrete outcomes” through an emphasis on tangible results. Aerobics classes were led by a 68-year old mama from the community. The classes were linked with healthy eating, weight loss, fitness and training for life skills and employment. Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals partnered with the community.

Together, they provided an holistic, health education programme for the entire family and also conducted medical checkups. Prizes were donated by a local NGO and a family trip to the Cook Islands was won on the basis of: weight loss, family participation and sustained attendance. Alfred said “The prize was won by a man who lost almost 20kgs. His two daughters shed a combined 15kgs and they all earned certificates in aerobics instruction.”

Alfred ranks the intangible benefits of community pride and ownership of health issues by the people as being as important as the measurable results.

“Taking down the fences between sectors has benefited all parties and increased the chance of sustainable results through community ownership and collaboration.”

Read about the key learning from the initiative and more information is available about Ora’anga Kopapa Matutu on a DVD – just contact Inspiring Communities.