In the late 1980s, the Ministry of Health approached the National Heart Foundation about a programme for Māori heart health.  No such programme existed so with the help of Dr Eru Pomare they formed a committee of Māori doctors, key Māori health leaders and National Heart Foundation representatives to discuss and advise on Māori heart health issues and possible solutions.

 

From this meeting Te Hotu Manawa Māori was born.

 

Under the National Heart Foundation’s directive, Te Hotu Manawa Māori became a standing committee of the Heart Foundation. The service was dedicated to programmes that aided health workers in their treatment of Māori heart health conditions.  Original programmes dealt in cardiac-related areas such as Auahi Kore (Smokefree), Kai o te Hauora (Nutrition) and Kirika Rumatiki (Rheumatic Fever).

 

Today, Te Hotu Manawa Māori runs autonomously as a charitable trust and is as committed as ever to the heart health of Māori.

 

Now providing programmes in Kai Totika me Whakapakiri Tinana (Nutrition and Physical Education) and Aukati Kaipaipa (Smoking Cessation), the team also lends itself to projects such as Heart Guide Aotearoa and HEHA (Healthy Eating Healthy Activity).

 

With dedicated kaimahi, and 20 years of knowledge and experience within the sector, Te Hotu Manawa Māori continues to provide leadership and advocate for Māori heart health on all levels.

 

Te Hotu Manawa Māori was given its name by Tūhoe kaumātua Tawhao Tioke. The word "hotu" refers to a particular sob or cry that characterised traditional Māori singing (as exemplified by the vocal style of the legendary Ana Hato). "Manawa" refers to Te Hotu Manawa Māori's focus - Māori heart health.