Concerns Emerge over Management at Te Kāika Health Services

Te Kāika, a health service established to provide community care, is facing significant internal challenges, according to a year-long investigation by the Otago Daily Times. Initially celebrated as a ‘one-stop health shop’ for Māori, Pasifika, and low-income families, the organization has experienced a troubling trend of staff departures, raising concerns about workplace culture and management practices.

Founded on the principles of accessible healthcare, Te Kāika has grown substantially, securing millions in funding to offer various services, including primary healthcare, dental care, mental health support, and services for migrants and refugees. On May 2, 2022, the organization proudly opened its new Caversham Wellbeing Hub, an event attended by high-profile representatives from Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Social Development. It was seen as a milestone in fulfilling a vision two decades in the making.

Despite this promising start, staff turnover has escalated in recent years. Many employees have left due to personal grievances, while others cite burnout and disillusionment stemming from perceived mismanagement. Current and former staff members, who requested anonymity due to concerns about potential repercussions, reported a variety of issues related to workplace culture, although they remain committed to the organization’s underlying mission.

A former employee expressed disappointment, stating, “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.” However, they felt management hindered their ability to fulfill that purpose. This sentiment was echoed by several others who noted the disconnect between the organization’s caring ethos and the treatment of its staff.

In response to inquiries from the Otago Daily Times, Donna Matahaere-Atariki, chairwoman of Otakou Health Ltd, which founded Te Kāika, asserted that the organization continues to deliver “excellent healthcare services.” She expressed surprise at any associated negativity and declined to comment on allegations based on anonymous sources.

Adding to the controversy, in May 2022, Te Kāika announced a sponsorship deal with the Highlanders, a professional rugby team. Former CEO Albie Laurence framed the partnership as a way to enhance the organization’s visibility and promote the importance of immunization following the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Laurence’s sudden departure shortly after the sponsorship was announced raised questions about the internal dynamics at Te Kāika. His successor, Matt Matahaere, took over the leadership role but has faced criticism for his management style.

Staff members observed a stark shift in the organizational culture following Matahaere’s appointment. As preparations for the Wellbeing Hub intensified, some employees felt that the supportive environment they had initially experienced began to erode. One former team member recalled, “When we moved into the hub, that’s when it all really fell to pieces for the clinic.” Restructuring processes under Matahaere led to the departure of several staff members, with indications that personal grievances and dissatisfaction contributed to ongoing turnover.

Despite the challenges, Matahaere has maintained that the organization is moving in a positive direction, emphasizing accountability and transparency. He was quoted saying, “Change is always good,” but many staff found themselves questioning this assertion as they experienced increasing pressure and dissatisfaction.

Documents reviewed by the Otago Daily Times revealed allegations of aggressive behavior and bullying within the workplace, which contradict the organization’s stated commitment to Māori principles. One former employee, who had relocated to join Te Kāika, described feeling disillusioned and unsupported, claiming they were met with ridicule rather than mentorship.

Matahaere-Atariki declined to address specific allegations regarding workplace culture, reiterating that the board is satisfied with the leadership changes and that Te Kāika is not alone in facing recruitment challenges amid a nationwide healthcare staffing crisis.

As inquiries continued, tensions rose between Te Kāika and the media. Matahaere expressed concerns over the reporting methods of the Otago Daily Times, suggesting that personal information had been accessed improperly. Despite assurances that ethical journalistic practices were followed, he later appointed a public relations professional to handle media inquiries, signaling a shift in the organization’s approach to external communication.

The situation at Te Kāika highlights the complexities of managing a community-focused health service amid rapid growth and evolving leadership dynamics. As the organization navigates these challenges, the commitment to its mission of serving vulnerable populations remains a critical consideration for both current and former staff, and for the communities they aim to support.