News article
Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health is taking the opportunity of International Allied Health Professionals Day tomorrow to thank the many hauora haumi | allied health workers of New Zealand for their invaluable contributions to the health sector and to everyday New Zealanders.
Hauora haumi covers a wide range of professions, working across mental and physical health care as well as scientific and technical work, with at least 43 professions falling under the allied health umbrella.
In te reo Māori, haumi means ‘alliance’, ‘ally’, and ‘to join’. Haumi also describes the joints and materials used to combine the various sections of a waka. In the context of the health system, the translation hauora haumi communicates the indispensable nature of allied health to the health waka and its journey.
Manatū Hauora recognises the critical role that hauora haumi professionals play in achieving pae ora goals. Chief Allied Health Professions Officer Martin Chadwick says the need for allied health professionals is only becoming more apparent as the new health system continues to be bedded in.
“So much of the work that is done by hauora haumi can be unrecognised. I want to recognise that contribution, and to reaffirm our commitment to work with you to realise the potential in the hauora haumi professions in working towards the concept of pae ora, health and wellness for all New Zealanders.”
Allied Health professional provide services which can have a major effect on people’s lives. For example, audiologists’ treatments can help enhance communication within whānau, psychologists can empower people with strategies to meet life’s challenges, and podiatrists can help keep people active and connected to their communities.
There is also a wealth of allied health workers behind the scenes who may have limited interaction with the public but who play a key role in keeping people well, like the medical lab scientists who are critical in diagnostic testing, facilitating effective treatment and management of conditions.
This is an opportunity to thank the hauora haumi workers who have supported you or your whānau, and Manatū Hauora also thanks all past and present allied health professionals for their invaluable contributions to New Zealanders’ health and wellbeing.
We are also supportive of all future hauora haumi professionals – both current students and those who are considering enrolling. Allied health covers a broad spectrum of careers, with a variety of ways to make a significant impact.