POLICY, ADVOCACY & INFORMATION SERVICES

As a public health organisation, and currently the only Māori sexual and reproductive health organisation contracted to provide these services, Te Puāwai Tapu works closely with other Māori working in sexual and reproductive health across the country to ensure these services represent the views of the sector, and also meet their needs.

Te Puāwai Tapu has provided policy and advocacy services on a diverse range of issues, including Māori workforce development, the need for national training in kaupapa Māori sexual and reproductive health, the Prostitution Law Reform Bill, the Civil Union Bill, as well as the recent Ministry of Health No Rubba, No Hubba campaign.

In November 2004, Te Puāwai Tapu and Kōkiri Marae Hauora Services, with the involvement of other Māori working in sexual and reproductive health, jointly hosted the 1st National Māori Sexual and Reproductive Health Conference.

The Conference contributed to strengthening the Māori workforce in sexual and reproductive health via networking, sharing the latest information and research, and learning new and innovative ways of developing and delivering health education and promotion programmes.

A number of recommendations came out of the Conference, and a National Working Group was set up to progress the recommendations. Members on the National Working Group will build networks and hold at least one regional hui per year for Māori working in sexual and reproductive health in their regions. Te Puāwai Tapu will provide administrative support and funds to assist the National Working Group and the regional networking process.

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