Kaupapa Māori programme Taurite Tū was awarded innovation of the year in two categories at the annual Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards, held in Singapore last week.
Project lead Otago University School of Physiotherapy associate dean Māori Katrina Pōtiki Bryant said she was thrilled by the programme’s success.
‘‘This award is for the kaumātua [elders] that have contributed so much. They are the centre of the kaupapa, that’s what drives us.’’
Taurite Tū is a strength and balance exercise programme for Māori over 50, intended to prevent falls by combining physiotherapy with traditional Māori exercises, such as mau rākau, poi and kapa haka.
It was founded at Ōtākou Marae and developed from 2018, with support from the university.
Thirty Māori organisations nationwide used the programme, with ‘‘another 30 in the wings’’, Ms Pōtiki Bryant said.
They utilised ‘‘Māori practices ... that have been used for centuries to keep us fit and active, and just bringing them to the forefront of an engaging physiotherapy programme’’.
Data from ACC shows there were 990,000 active fall-related injury claims in 2025, with the cost of claims at $2.6billion.
Aside from health advantages, Taurite Tū also provided social benefit and a safe space for kaumātua, Ms Pōtiki Bryant said.
‘‘The whole point of it is to be empowering and uplifting and hopefully providing a space where our kaumātua can thrive and live with dignity.’’
The award also validated kaupapa Māori as a physiotherapy practice, she said.
‘‘It’s awesome for our Māori communities and also for our Māori physiotherapists who want to be able to use these things to engage Māori and others.’’
The programme won in the empowerment category and in the active ageing — music and culture programme category, and was a finalist in three others.
Last year, Taurite Tū also received the inaugural catalyst in the community award from the Health Research Council and was named best senior health service at the New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards.
