Frequently asked questions: Whānau Ora Regional Leadership Groups (RLGs)

1.What is the purpose of Whānau Ora Regional Leadership Groups?
Regional Leadership Groups ensure that decisions about Whānau Ora occur as close as possible to local communities. RLGs will be led by the community with appropriate support from government agencies. A regional leadership approach capitalises on the vast experience and capacity that exists within whānau and communities. It recognises that meeting whānau needs through whānau-centred service delivery is best led by those who live, experience and participate in this practice daily.

2. What will RLGs do?
Regional Leadership Groups are responsible for leading strategic change for Whānau Ora within their region. They must foster excellent regional communications and relationships; and ensure coordination with other local and regional initiatives and services. RLGs are also responsible for providing high quality advice and recommendations to the Whanau Ora Governance Group on the selection of Whānau Ora service providers; the development and implementation of Programmes of Action; regional whānau-centred service delivery and initiatives; and other priority areas of advice as determined by the Governance Group. RLGs are also responsible for monitoring and reporting on results, outcomes, best practice examples/models and implementation issues in their region.

3. What is the Whānau Ora Governance Group?
The Whānau Ora Governance Group assesses nominations and makes recommendations to the Minister Responsible for Whānau Ora, Hon Tariana Turia who will announce appointments by Friday 16 July 2010. The Governance Group members include the Chief Executives of Te Puni Kōkiri, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Development and former Whānau Ora Taskforce members Rob Cooper (Chair); Professor Sir Mason Durie and Nancy Tuaine.

4. Where will RLGs be located and how many members will each Group have?
The Regional Leadership Groups will be established across ten regions based on the current Te Puni Kōkiri boundaries including: Te Taitokerau; Tamaki Makaurau; Waikato; Te Moana A Toi Te Arawa; Te Tairāwhiti; Takitimu; Te Tai Hauāuru; Te Whanganui A Tara; and Te Waipounamu.

5. What skills and experience will members have?
Members appointed to RLGs will be well known in the community and have a mix of skills including experience in the health, social, economic and cultural sectors; and working with whānau collectives and in whānau development. They must have knowledge of issues facing whānau and service provision to whānau within the region; possess an understanding of local service provision issues and accountability requirements; and have experience advocating for and leading change within communities. Members will have proven relationship management skills; a wide range of whānau/community networks; and knowledge of other initiatives occurring within the region that may impact on, or have synergies with Whānau Ora service provision.

6. What sort of information will nominees be asked to provide?
The RLG nomination form sets out the information that must be provided. This includes a current CV, a summary of current and previous appointments, referees and full disclosure of affiliations and/or any conflicts of interest. Nominees must also consent to a routine Police check.

7. How do we make nominations to an RLG?
Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Te Puni Kōkiri website.

Completed nomination forms and current curriculum vitae can be submitted by e-mail, fax or post to:

Email: whanauora@tpk.govt.nz
Fax: 04 819 6267 Att: In Confidence, Whānau Ora Regional Leadership Groups
Post: In Confidence
Whānau Ora Regional Leadership Groups
C/O Te Puni Kōkiri
PO Box 3943
WELLINGTON 6140

8. Why are providers’ ineligible for nomination?
Members of RLGs must have a primary interest in promoting the wellbeing of whānau within their region; and are also required to disclose any affiliations or conflicts of interest. Individuals representing provider interests are therefore not eligible to be nominated.

9. How often will RLGs meet and how will they be run?
RLGs will meet monthly to 30 June 2011 and quarterly thereafter to 30 June 2013. Each group will have a Chair who will ensure the effective functioning of the RLG and be responsible for liaising with the Governance Group, providers, iwi, government agencies etc. Appointments to RLGs are for the full three year term from 16 July 2010 to 30 June 2013.


10. Where can we go for more information or questions we may have about RLGs?
Nominees can email any questions or queries they have about RLG nominations to the Whānau Ora Project Team.

Nominations and appointments to Regional Leadership Groups