To improve health status of Maori, by helping hospitals cater for Maori, retaining Maori who become healthcare professionals and to improve healthcare practices so that Maori values are respected. He Kamaka Oranga (HKO) was established in 1994 with the aim to improve Maori Health.  Then in 2013 collaboration of Maori Health services across Auckland and Waitematā DHBs is now He Kamaka Waiora (HKW).

The Chief Advisor Tikanga (CAT) Maori Health leads the organisation in managing relationships with mana whenua and iwi Maori from a tikanga perspective and provides assistance in managing Treaty of Waitangi risks. The CAT role is supported by Waitematā DHB and Auckland DHB Maori Health teams led by the GM Maori Health which are responsible for policy development, research, workforce development, planning and funding, provider management, quality, and clinical leadership across the primary, secondary and tertiary sector.

The introduction of practices based on tikanga Maori have made a significant contribution to Maori Health in the region. The HKW provider team works with Maori patients and their whanau when they need to access the hospital services. This includes coordinating whanau accommodation, providing social and cultural and advocacy services and working with Waitematā DHB clinicians and other Waitematā DHB staff to ensure that services are responsive to the needs of Maori Health gain.

He Kamaka Waiora team supports inpatients in North Shore (NSH) and Waitakere (WTH) Hospitals:

Kaumatua: Fraser Toi and Lousie Elia 

Kaumatua Arahi: Cherie Povey

Kaimanaaki: John Tuoro

Kaiatawhai: Maria McCall

Kaitakawaenga:  Piripi McLean