Te Rōpu Whakaruruhau
Whaia te ao Māori
Rangahauä te matauranga
Pursue the world of the Māori
Research the knowledge
Te timatanga o te reo - Kei ngā wai ū o te whaea
Vision
Optimising breastfeeding for Māori babies, mothers and their whānau
Values
- Tino rangatiratanga
- Kaitiakitanga
- Manaakitanga
- Kotahitanga
Purpose
Te Rōpu Whakaruruhau has been established to support, promote and protect breastfeeding for Māori through the provision of expert advice and support to New Zealand Breastfeeding Alliance (NZBA) Board in the delivery of the Baby Friendly Initiatives and its other roles.
Responsibilities and Functions
- Provide strategic direction in relation to the implementation of the New Zealand Breastfeeding Alliance Strategic Plan 2016-2022
- Give guidance and feedback to New Zealand Breastfeeding Alliance on strategies to improve Māori breastfeeding rates
- Develop and implement the Māori Breastfeeding Strategic Plan 2016-2022, which aligns with the NZBA Strategic Plan 2016-2022. This will include:-
- translating experiences of Tipuna to lead traditional breastfeeding practices with the overarching purpose of improving outcomes for whānau.
- identifying strategies that will maximise opportunities for Māori participation within the baby friendly environment
- Contribute to enhancing the cultural responsiveness of the NZBA partners
- Participate in sub-groups, if required, which may include operational support in a consultant capacity
- Provide a support mechanism to the Baby Friendly Advisor, Māori and Māori representatives on the NZBA Board
Membership
Te Rōpu Whakaruruhau membership is skills and competency based noting the holistic vision of Māori health. Members are selected by Te Rōpu Whakaruruhau based on his/her expertise and the perspectives s/he bring from a range of areas including:-
- Midwifery
- Lactation
- Maternal health
- Child health
- Leadership
- Māori providers
- Whanau ora
- General Practice/medicine
- Nutrition/dietetics
- Consumers
Representation from mana whenua is mandatory.
Members have the capacity to commit to the role and attend meetings.
Chairperson
Te Rōpu Whakaruruhau will appoint a chair from its membership for a two-year term.
The chairperson of Te Rōpu Whakaruruhau will be a Māori member of the New Zealand Breastfeeding Alliance Board.
Meetings
- At least four time per year
- Members will receive a standard meeting few set by the NZBA
- The NZBA Māori Advisor provides support and administration for Te Rōpu Whakaruruhau
Reporting
Te Rōpu Whakaruruhau will provide quarterly verbal and narrative reports to the Executive Officer and the Board of NZBA.
Review
These terms of reference will be reviewed as at May 2019.
Members of Te Rōpu Whakaruruhau as at May 2017
Henare Edwards, Kaumatua
Wendy Dallas-Katoa, Taua, JP, Research, Whanau ora, PHN
Tasha Wharerau, Chairperson & NZBA Board, Women's Health Promoter, Women's Health Action
Amy Wray, Midwife, Lactation Consultant
Carlo Kamo, Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse, Plunket Whānau Āwhina
Sarah-Anne Waihoaka Wills, Registered Midwife, Whānau Mau Kaupapa Māori Antenatal Pregnancy & Parenting Programme
Click here to view the Māori Breastfeeding Strategic Directions 2016 - 2021
Clice here to view New Zealand Breastfeeding Alliance policy on Māori Responsiveness March 2018