Jodhi Warwick Ponga, a trustee of Te Ropu Marutau o Aotearoa, discussed her career and involvement in health and safety, alongside her role at Vertical Horizons. She began with a diverse background in engraving, signwriting, and screen printing before transitioning to health and safety through roles in a software company managing 20,000 workers across New Zealand and Australia. Her journey led to consultancy and eventually to her current role heading programs and apprenticeships at Vertical Horizons.

She elaborated on Te Ropu Marutau o Aotearoa (TRMA), the Māori Health and Safety Association, which started informally in 2017 and has grown into a charitable organization with around 60-70 members. TRMA focuses on providing advice, training, mentoring, and hosting conferences to support Māori health and safety practitioners.

Jodhi highlighted Haumaru Tāngata, a framework developed through research by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and funded by ACC. This framework aims to address higher workplace harm statistics among New Zealand Māori in high-risk industries like forestry and construction. It offers a culturally responsive approach to health and safety, enhancing workplace practices without replacing existing systems.

Haumaru Tāngata is structured around four components: principles (Ngā rau), cultural practices (Ngā āra tikanga), interventions (Ngā kōkiri), and outcomes (Ngā hua). It integrates Māori values and practices into workplace health and safety, promoting a holistic approach that considers wellbeing alongside safety.

Regarding implementation, Jodhi emphasized the importance of engaging Māori workers as cultural advisors within their workplaces rather than seeking external consultants. TRMA supports organizations through a self-assessment tool and provides guidance based on 20 questions aligned with Haumaru Tāngata's principles.

Overall, Jodhi's work underscores the significance of culturally informed approaches in improving health and safety outcomes for Māori workers, advocating for inclusive practices that respect and integrate Māori values into everyday workplace operations.

https://www.trma.co.nz/haumaru-tngata-overview