A King Country Maori welfare organisation believes taking radical risks based on a Whanau Ora kaupapa more than two decades ago has helped it to survive.
The Taumarunui Community Kokiri Trust is celebrating 25 years of service to the community - a feat acknowledged by Whanau Ora Minister Tariana Turia this week.
Trust chief executive Christine Arahia Brears said Maori health in 1989 was in a poor state but its inclusive whanau approach had turned that dire situation around.
Mrs Brears said their kaupapa had always been that Maori would be their own educators and determine their own pathway.
The organisation delivers a range of services including holistic development and well-being of whanau, hapu and iwi including an early childhood centre, smoking cessation, aged care, mental health and tamariki ora.
