Pillars of Health
Pou Ora
A reimagined way of delivering primary care that's equitable, innovative, and built to last.
5 interconnected pillars guiding quality improvement and whānau-centred care delivery across Aotearoa.
Pou Ora | Pillars of Health represents the guiding pillars that support modernised, equitable and whānau-centred primary care. These five interconnected elements work together to create a model of care that delivers better outcomes for whānau, staff, and communities.
The Framework
Five Pillars of Pou Ora
Each pillar supports and strengthens the others, creating a robust and sustainable model of care. Click any pillar to explore.
The pou represent partnerships between general practice and whānau, practice leaders and staff, and general practices and the healthcare system. They are a commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles alongside other cultures.
Collaboration
This pou strengthens partnerships between your general practice, and other service providers to create a seamless, whānau-centred system.
Whānau Impact
- Direct access to social and non-clinical supports
- Holistic wraparound support
Practice Impact
- Improved whānau outcomes
- Stronger community engagement
System Impact
- Population health improvements
- Efficient use of healthcare professionals
Guiding Principles
Equitable & Accessible
Proactively removing barriers to care
Whānau-Centred
Services designed around whānau needs
Culturally Safe
Respecting mana and dignity in every encounter
Toi Tū Te Tiriti
Upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles
Loved by Kaimahi
Supporting workforce wellbeing and growth
Evidence-Informed
Drawing on proven practices and mātauranga
Digitally Enabled
Maximising technology for better outcomes
Future-Focused
Creating space for innovation and adaptation
Getting Started
Implementing Pou Ora
Implementation of Pou Ora is supported through our quality programmes, peer groups, and consultancy services. We work alongside practices and PHOs to assess current state, identify priorities, and develop action plans for improvement.
Ready to Start Your Pou Ora Journey?
Contact us to discuss how we can support your organisation.
Te Reo Māori in Pou Ora
Pou Ora uses te reo Māori with intention and respect. These explanations help describe Māori concepts in English—not as direct translations, but as a way to honour their deeper meaning.
More than just health, hauora is a state of balance and wellbeing across physical, mental, spiritual, and social dimensions of life. It reflects the interconnectedness of people, place, and purpose, and recognises wellbeing is collective.
Honours everyone who contributes to care, clinical and non-clinical. It goes beyond "staff", recognising the mana and purpose of all who support hauora.
Describes a guiding purpose or approach grounded in values. It encompasses the deeper why.
More than just work, mahi is purposeful effort, carried with intention and often for the collective good. It acknowledges contribution, responsibility, and the value of service.
The practice of uplifting others, through care, kindness, and respect. It's about honouring the mana of those around us and creating space where people feel safe, valued, and supported.
Agency, authority, and the ability to make decisions rooted in your own tikanga. In health, it means whānau and communities are trusted to lead their own wellbeing.
Speaks to connection, whakapapa, and collective wellbeing. While whānau is a Māori concept, we use it to include all people and communities in a way that the word 'family' may not express.
Often simplified to "relationship-building", whanaungatanga is the deep process of connecting, establishing trust, and seeing each other through shared values, experiences, and purpose. It's foundational to how we work.