Sometimes the most valuable part of a practice visit is not what you come to share, but what you leave having learnt.
Recently, some of ProCare's Practice Engagement Team travelled to Kaitaia to spend time with one of our newest member practices, Te Hiku Hauora. Over two days, we connected with staff and leadership, learnt more about the organisation's services, and gained a deeper understanding of the important role they play across the Far North.
For many communities in Te Tai Tokerau, healthcare looks different. Distance, accessibility, and local needs require services that extend beyond the traditional walls of a medical centre. Te Hiku Hauora reflects this reality through a broad range of health, social, community, and kaupapa Māori services that support whānau where they live and work.
Building connections and shared understanding
The first day focused on meeting with the practice’s leadership and management teams, including Dr Maria Baker (CEO), Maude Wilkinson (General Manager), Dr Lorraine Brooking (Clinical Director), Deborah Wikitera (Admin Team Lead), Melissa Peterson (Nurse Team Lead), and many other members of the wider organisation.
Discussions centred on Te Hiku Hauora's vision, aspirations, and priorities for the future, along with how ProCare can support the important mahi already underway. A strong sense of optimism and momentum was evident throughout the day. With new leadership, new team members, and a focus on continuous improvement, the organisation is embracing positive change and looking ahead with purpose.
The practice staff spoke enthusiastically about the reporting and insights now available through ProCare as their new PHO. These tools are helping to strengthen outreach activities, support enrolment funding optimisation, identify whānau with unmet needs, and provide valuable information to support immunisation planning and follow-up.
The discussions centred on the following reports unique to ProCare:
Operational Excellence reports: supporting enrolment funding optimisation
Our Picture of Health: population-level view of health screening and clinical management goals
Whānau with most unmet needs
Immunisation tracking report.
Together, we also explored Flexible Funding opportunities and how these can support local priorities and deliver meaningful outcomes for the communities they serve.
More than a clinic
Our visit provided an opportunity to see firsthand the many interconnected services working together to support whānau. The organisation brings together clinical teams, outreach services, community programmes, and kaupapa Māori services to provide holistic care.
A highlight of the visit was learning more about Te Hiku Hauora's mobile outreach services, taking care directly into homes and communities. In a region where travel and access can present significant challenges, these services play a vital role in ensuring support reaches those who need it most. We also learnt more about the important contribution of their kaitiaki, who help whānau navigate services and connect with the support available to them.
What stood out was that Te Hiku Hauora is more than a GP clinic; it’s a connected network of people and service working together to improve health outcomes for their community.
Looking ahead
There’s a clear vision for the future at Te Hiku Haoura, supported by passionate staff, strong leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
While we travelled north to share knowledge, discuss opportunities, and strengthen our partnership, we left with a greater appreciation of the incredible mahi being undertaken every day.
We’re grateful to Dr Maria Baker, Maude Wilkinson, Dr Lorraine Brooking, and the wider practice whānau for their warm hospitality and generosity throughout our visit.