The Māori Committee ensures VRS services are culturally responsive, upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supporting tangata whaikaha Māori.

The Māori Committee of Vision Rehabilitation Services (VRS) is formed to provide cultural guidance, advocacy, and support for tangata whaikaha Māori (Māori with disabilities). Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and kaupapa Māori principles, this committee ensures that VRS delivers culturally responsive rehabilitation services while strengthening connections with the Māori community and key stakeholders.

Establishment of the Māori Committee

Why It’s Important

The Māori Committee serves as an advisory body to VRS, ensuring services are:

  • Aligned with tikanga Māori (Māori customs and values).

  • Inclusive and accessible for Māori with visual impairments.

  • Advocating for te reo Māori, whānau-centred approaches, and kaupapa Māori models

  • Engaged in community outreach, education, and policy development.

Meeting Frequency

📅 Quarterly Meetings – The committee will meet four times a year to review progress, discuss emerging issues, and provide recommendations.
📌 Urgent Meetings – Additional meetings may be called as needed for pressing matters.

Vision, Objectives & Goals

🌿 Vision

To uphold the rights and aspirations of tangata whaikaha Māori by fostering a culturally safe, inclusive, and holistic rehabilitation service within VRS.

🎯 Objectives & Goals

Strengthen cultural competency within VRS staff and services.

Enhance accessibility for Māori with vision impairments.

Advocate for equity and inclusion in policy and service delivery.

Build whanaungatanga (strong relationships) between VRS and the Māori community.

Support the implementation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in decision-making.

Promote holistic well-being through Māori health models like Te Whare Tapa Whā.

Measuring Outcomes

To assess the effectiveness of the Māori Committee, key performance indicators (KPIs) include:

📌 Cultural Responsiveness – Number of VRS services incorporating tikanga Māori and te reo Māori

📌 Engagement Levels – Increase in Māori participation in VRS programs and decision-making

📌 Staff Training – Percentage of VRS staff completing cultural competency training

📌 Policy Impact – Recommendations adopted by VRS leadership

📌 Community Feedback – Satisfaction surveys and feedback from tangata whaikaha Māori and whānau

Māori Committee Policy

📜 Policy Statement

Vision Rehabilitation Services (VRS) recognises Māori as tangata whenua and is committed to honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi by embedding kaupapa Māori principles into its services.

The Māori Committee provides cultural oversight to ensure that VRS meets the needs of Māori clients and their whānau equitably and effectively.

📩 For more information or to get involved, contact us at admin@visionrehab.nz.org.