A flexible, principles-based framework called partnership in design, which puts people and whānau at the centre of the design and improvement of services, has been developed under the Te Tiriti and Equity Group. This approach places an emphasis on purposefully engaging identified partners in the planning, development, and review of health and wellbeing services.

Canterbury Clinical Network Hauora Māori and Equity Lead Ngaire Button says we recognise that, ‘one size does not fit all’ and the health needs of our people are different. 

“There are groups and communities who find access difficult because of system design – in particular Māori, Pasifika, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people, LGBTQI+ community, people with disabilities and people who live in rural areas,” says Ngaire. 

“One of the key aspects of this new framework, is ensuring that we are inclusive and everyone’s voice and participation is invited and encouraged, so services are designed for all.”

The key aspects of the framework are the ngā whanonga pono (values) which are woven across the six-step phases. The values are:

• Mana: recognising and respecting the mana of all partners throughout the process.
• Ōritetanga: equality and equity – from beginning to end all partners have equal power and decision-making opportunity, achieving equity is the driving force.
• Wānanga: providing opportunities for discussion to arrive at deeper understanding.
• Mākohakoha: operating with a spirit of generosity and open mindedness.
• Mana taurite: just, inclusive, fair, cooperative co-design.
• Tino rangatiratanga: All partners of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are empowered and have agency over their health decisions; and our communities and future generations are able to access the support they need to be healthy, educated and to live good lives. 

The Canterbury Clinical Network Alliance Leadership Team agreed that the Partnership in Design tool will be applied to the future design and development of health and wellbeing services in Canterbury.

“It is a framework that is flexible and will evolve, so that it can be adapted for use in any design situation,” says Ngaire. 

Download the Partnership in Design framework here.