Summarised by Centrist
Whānau Ora Minister Tama Potaka has announced four new agencies will take over commissioning services from 1 July 2025, following the decision not to renew contracts with the original three providers.
It’s the first time since the initiative’s 2010 launch that contracts were put to open tender.
The outgoing agencies – Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency (North Island), Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu (South Island), and Pasifika Futures – had held contracts since 2014. The decision could affect up to 1,000 jobs.
Leaders like Merepeka Raukawa-Tait expressed shock, citing a strong performance record.
Potaka defended the move as a routine procurement refresh, aligned with the government’s focus on stronger data, more navigators, and local decision-making. The new agencies are:
- North Island (Taupō and above): Rangitāmiro (National Hauora Coalition, Te Tiratū, Ngaa Pou Hauora o Taamaki Makaurau)
- North Island (south of Taupō, Bay of Plenty, East Coast): Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira
- South Island: Te Tauraki Limited (subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu)
- Pasifika (nationwide): The Tātou Collective (The Cause Collective)
Potaka welcomed the recent Court of Appeal ruling upholding the procurement process. He reaffirmed support for Whānau Ora, noting $180 million was allocated in the 2023 Budget, but said the system is moving in a “refreshed direction.”
