Introducing our new name: Te Whatu Ora Southern

Introducing our new name - Te Whatu Ora Southern

From 1 July 2022, we are changing our name from Southern District Health Board to Te Whatu Ora - Southern.

This name was gifted to us by an expert advisory group, headed by pou tikanga Rahui Papa. From today, you will start to see Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand.

Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness’. Though there can be other conceptual interpretations of the name, one context for Te Whatu Ora is found in the weaving of culture – bringing two or more strands together to weave a basket; a basket of life.

In the weaving tradition, the whatu is the weaving process that brings together the aho (horizontal thread) and whenu (vertical thread).

Te Whatu Ora is the combining together of people, resources, organisations, thoughts and actions for the betterment and wellbeing of all.

We’re still the same team, serving the Southern community.

Aside from our new name, you will start to see gradual changes from today. It will not change who your GP or health provider is, or your ability to go to your local hospital or specialist appointment.

You can read more about our name change here: www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/about-us/who-we-are/our-story/