More than 500 locals have already shared their views in the fifth annual Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS), but Trust Tairāwhiti is encouraging more people across the region to have their say.
Launched in October, the survey asks about everyday experiences, from housing, employment and the cost of living to health, culture, community connections and the environment.
To build a clearer picture of life in Tairāwhiti, a broad range of responses is important to ensure the findings reflect the diverse experiences of communities across the region.
“Each person, each whānau, each hapu and each iwi have their own kōrero to contribute. There’s no better way of knowing what us at home need than getting that kōrero and data from us, ourselves,” says Karepe McDonald, Kaiwhakahaere Reo Naati at Radio Ngāti Porou.
“The small communities, if you don’t put your hand up, with the greatest respect, there is every risk of your needs, of your aspirations, not being heard,” says Victor Walker, trustee at Te Aitanga a Hauiti Centre of Excellence Trust.
Now in its fifth year, the TWS tracks changes in wellbeing over time, helping the Trust and other local organisations make informed decisions.
“I really think when you’ve got a few minutes to spare, take the survey. A lot of people who sit in roles that look at data and make decisions actually do look at the TWS findings,” says Charlotte Knight, Acting Director of Sustainable Futures at Gisborne District Council.
TWS findings from 2022-25 revealed declining confidence in the future of the region’s taiao and opportunities for rangatahi, helping inform the Trust’s establishment of two new focus funds. More than $900k was approved for four groups delivering initiatives to improve outcomes for the taiao and rangatahi in the first funding round.
By sharing your experiences, you can help inform decisions that make a difference for communities across Tairāwhiti.
If you’re aged 15 or older and live in Tairāwhiti, have your say. The survey is anonymous and available in English and Te Reo Māori at tairawhitidata.nz
Kōrero mai Tairāwhiti!