Maori Organisations Band Together To Create Hub

A new digital platform created by Māori organisations is helping to support Tamaki Makaurau’s more vulnerable whānau during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paerangi (www.paerangi.nz) is an online information and referral centre designed specifically for whānau hauā (whanau with impairments), nga marae and kaumātua. There is also a support/information phone line (0800 100 132).

It offers website, social media and telecommunications for COVID-19 official information and a directory of support which is simple, easy to find and whānau-relevant. This includes everything from referrals for health, housing and job loss advice to information around tikanga and tangihanga.

Considered the first of its kind in Aotearoa, Paerangi provides information in audio and text conversational English, Te Reo and NZ Sign Language. It has been created in collaboration with Te Roopu Waiora, Te Kōtahi ā Tāmaki and Te Ohonga and has support from across the public and private sector.

As Pou Tuara for Paerangi, Tania Kingi says one of the challenges for some communities during the early stages of the pandemic has been processing the overload of information around COVID-19.

“The information is already overwhelming to most New Zealanders but to some communities, it can be confusing and downright challenging to understand what to do, where to get help and how.”

“Paerangi is designed to take that information, be it key Government information or a front-line service from a marae in South Auckland, and relay it in a way which is simple, relatable and easy to find. In essence, if we make it accessible for whānau hauā then it’s inclusive of all.”

Tania says that Paerangi can provide a centre of accessible information for all whānau now and in the future although the focus right now is on COVID-19.

“At the end of the day our goal for this pandemic is simple: supported communities are informed, prepared and compliant.”

For further information, please contact:
Dr Kimiora Raerino (Pou Arahi) on 021 0790120 or k.raerino@paerangi.nz

About Paerangi: Paerangi is a Māori-led, collaborative response to COVID-19 from three organisations in Tamaki Makaurau:
• Te Kotahi a Tamaki: a collective of 36 marae in the Auckland region
• Te Roopu Waiora: a consumer organisation founded and governed by whānau haua
• Te Ohonga: Kaumatua and Māori cultural advisors supporting the health sector
Paerangi is also supported by: Hapai Te Hauora, Kāhui Tū Kaha, Auckland Council, The Southern Initiative, Te Puni Kōkiri, Auckland DHB, Waitemata DHB, Ministry of Social Development, Ora Kura Digital Marketing, Kai-kōrero ā rotarota, Kiwa Digital, Ratana Graphics, Māori Television, Findex, Auckland Mortuary Services, Tipene Funeral Services, Wordsworth Interpreting, Te Rōpū Whakakaupapa Urutā, Whānau Turi o Aotearoa, Egoli Ltd.