Te Kāika Faces Internal Struggles Amid Community Success

Te Kāika, a health service established to provide comprehensive care to the community, is encountering significant challenges despite its growing reputation and funding success. Initially celebrated for offering low-cost health and social services to Māori, Pasifika, and low-income families, the organization has recently faced a high turnover of staff, raising concerns about its internal culture and management practices.

Founded with the aim of being a “one-stop health shop,” Te Kāika has expanded its offerings to include primary healthcare, dental services, mental health support, and transition services for youth. The opening of the Caversham Wellbeing Hub on May 2, 2022, marked a milestone for the organization, attended by various dignitaries from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora and the Ministry of Social Development. Staff members, many of whom returned from lucrative overseas positions, were excited to contribute to their community and support vulnerable populations.

However, recent inquiries by the Otago Daily Times reveal a troubling trend within the organization. Reports indicate that many employees have left, citing issues with management and workplace culture. Current and former staff members expressed their concerns about the organization’s internal dynamics, highlighting feelings of disillusionment and burnout. While they remain committed to Te Kāika’s initial vision, they report that management practices have hindered their ability to fulfill their roles effectively.

One employee noted, “The sad thing is, working for a Māori organization, a lot of us really tried to come into the space to do good things for our people,” but felt that management did not support those efforts. This sentiment was echoed by others who left the organization, many of whom were reportedly bound by non-disclosure agreements, limiting their ability to speak openly.

In response to these allegations, Donna Matahaere-Atariki, chairwoman of Otakou Health Ltd, the charity that founded Te Kāika, defended the organization’s performance. She stated that Te Kāika continues to deliver “excellent healthcare services” and expressed surprise at any negative feedback, suggesting that inquiries based on anonymous sources would not be addressed.

The leadership transition at Te Kāika further complicates the situation. In May 2022, Albie Laurence, the chief executive who co-founded the organization, departed unexpectedly. His replacement, Matt Matahaere, initially garnered a positive impression among staff but soon faced criticism for his management style. As the organization prepared for the Wellbeing Hub’s opening, staff reported changes that contradicted the collaborative atmosphere they had previously enjoyed.

Concerns regarding workplace culture intensified following the restructuring that accompanied Mr. Matahaere’s appointment. Some employees described a shift where those unable to conform to the new leadership style were let go, resulting in personal grievances and substantial termination payouts. Documents obtained by the Otago Daily Times detail allegations of bullying and aggressive behavior, which contradict the organization’s stated commitment to Māori principles.

Despite these challenges, Ms. Matahaere-Atariki emphasized that Te Kāika is not unique in facing recruitment difficulties, highlighting a broader trend within New Zealand’s healthcare sector. She noted that the organization is actively seeking to address these issues, stating, “It is common knowledge that New Zealand’s healthcare sector is facing critical recruitment challenges… highlighting the urgent need for sustainable, long-term strategies.”

As inquiries into Te Kāika continue, tensions between management and staff appear to be mounting. Mr. Matahaere expressed concerns regarding the media’s investigation into employee experiences, suggesting that confidential information may have been improperly accessed. Despite his initial willingness to engage with the media, communication has since shifted to a public relations professional, indicating a growing reluctance to address the issues publicly.

The unfolding situation at Te Kāika raises important questions about the sustainability of its mission to serve the community while ensuring a supportive workplace for its employees. As the organization grapples with these internal struggles, its founding vision of community care remains a critical aspect of its identity.