TE RAU MATATINI
NATIONAL MAORI HEALTH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

18 August 2009 Media Statement
EMBARGOED UNTIL 4pm, 18 August 2009

Accelerating Māori Occupational Therapy workforce development – the next steps

Te Umanga Whakaora creates the opportunity to significantly reduce workforce shortages in the Occupational Therapy profession and improve the quality and responsiveness of services to whānau to enhance whānau ora, says Kirsty Maxwell-Crawford, Chief Executive of Te Rau Matatini.

Te Umanga Whakaora is the Accelerated Occupational Therapy Workforce Development Strategy and Action Plan launched this afternoon, by Te Tai Tonga MP Rahui Katene on behalf of Associate Minister of Health Hon Tariana Turia, and is an important step forward for Occupational Therapy in New Zealand.

“Te Umanga Whakaora provides a strategic framework, action plan and career planning that will expand the workforce, improve cultural competency and create the ongoing development of models of best practice,” said Kirsty Maxwell-Crawford.

“The success of this workforce development strategy relies on the leadership and commitment of decision-makers and employers within the health sector to create opportunities to up-skill and make sure quality programmes are available,” says Te Rau Matatini Board Chair Hayden Wano.

“It is also up to Occupational Therapists to take up the challenge and with support of employers, complete the training, utilise best practice models and to stay within the sector,” says Kirsty Maxwell-Crawford.

“The career ‘pathways for action’ information about secondary and tertiary educational choices, resources and scholarships will need to be utilised by schools, students and their whānau. Graduates, trainees, Occupational Therapists, along with managers and leaders must make use of the resources and the availability of professional support identified.

“I know the vision and leadership does exist within the Occupational Therapy profession and wider health sector to take up the opportunities. I look forward to all playing their part in meeting the multiple challenges within Te Umanga Whakaora and making this a reality.

“Ultimately the success of Te Umanga Whakaora will ensure that the Occupational Therapy profession, supported by the health sector, will develop more responsive services that will better meet the health needs of tangata whaiora, their whānau” said Te Rau Matatini Chief Executive Kirsty Maxwell-Crawford.

ENDS