Diabetes New Zealand and Ngāti Hine Health Trust forge strategic partnership to tackle diabetes crisis
● Diabetes New Zealand and Ngāti Hine Health Trust have partnered to address high diabetes rates in Ngāti Hine.
● Diabetes rates in Ngāti Hine are nearly three times the national average, significantly impacting whānau.
● Māori and Pasifika communities bear the greatest burden of diabetes-related complications and face the largest inequities in care.
● The partnership supports community-led solutions aligned with the national Diabetes Action Plan.
June 2025: Diabetes New Zealand and Ngāti Hine Health Trust have today formalised a partnership aimed at developing new, community-driven pathways to address diabetes within the Ngāti Hine rohe.
The collaboration comes as New Zealand faces a growing diabetes crisis, with 45 people diagnosed every day. Prevalence is projected to rise by 70 to 90 percent over the next two decades, posing a potential annual cost of $3.5 billion to the health system.
Māori and Pasifika peoples are disproportionately affected by diabetes, experiencing higher rates of complications and facing greater barriers to accessing care. These inequities stem from longstanding socioeconomic disadvantage and the continuing effects of colonisation, which impact the ability of communities to live well and access healthcare that is timely, effective, and culturally safe.
In the Ngāti Hine region alone, diabetes prevalence is nearly three times the national average.
Dr Matt Brook, speaking on behalf of Ngāti Hine Health Trust, highlighted the urgency of the issue:
"In Ngāti Hine, we’re seeing a significantly higher rate of diabetes than the rest of the country. The impact on our whānau is profound and growing."
Ngāti Hine Health Trust CEO Tamati Shepherd-Wipiiti, who lives with diabetes himself, said the partnership was a necessary step forward:
"With so many of our whānau affected, we knew we had to partner to make a meaningful difference. This agreement with Diabetes New Zealand is a major milestone."
The new initiative will align with the national Diabetes Action Plan, which outlines priorities for prevention, early intervention, and improved care across Aotearoa.
Diabetes New Zealand CEO Heather Verry said the partnership exemplifies the kind of collaborative, community-led approach the Action Plan calls for:
"We’re proud to work alongside Ngāti Hine Health Trust to co-design solutions that reflect the unique needs and strengths of their community. Together, we can begin to shift the dial on diabetes outcomes."
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For more details on the partnership, contact:
Eden Phillips
About Ngati Hine Health Trust:
Ngāti Hine Health Trust (NHHT) is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest kaupapa Māori health and social service providers, delivering integrated whānau ora services across Te Tai Tokerau. Established in 1992, NHHT has grown from its roots in the Motatau Marae Kōmiti to become a regional leader in holistic wellbeing. The Trust offers a broad range of services, including primary health care, mental health and addictions support, disability services, housing, education, justice, and Whānau Ora initiatives. Guided by the principle "Me ū ki te Tū o Ngāti Hine, ko te oranga te take" (Hold fast to the values and tikanga of Ngāti Hine, for wellbeing is the purpose), NHHT is committed to enhancing the wellbeing of whānau, hapū, and hāpori.
For more information, visit www.nhht.co.nz.
About Diabetes New Zealand:
Diabetes New Zealand is a charitable trust dedicated to supporting and representing individuals living with or affected by diabetes. With a presence across the country, our mission is to ensure that every person in Aotearoa New Zealand with diabetes or at risk of diabetes has equitable access to affordable, quality care and education. We provide a range of services including a free helpline, educational resources, advocacy, and support for people living with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Our values of whānau-centredness, inclusiveness, integrity, respect, empathy, and agility guide our work to reduce the impact of diabetes and improve the lives of those affected.
For more information, visit www.diabetes.org.nz