Measuring our progress helps us understand the difference we are making in our community.

In 2025, an independent evaluation was commissioned to assess the implementation and impact of Hokonui Community-Led Health. The evaluation explored how the locality model has influenced service delivery, strengthened partnerships, and helped address community-identified health and wellbeing needs across the wider Gore region.

Drawing on interviews with community members and stakeholders, programme records, and community survey data, the evaluation found that Hokonui Community-Led Health has made meaningful contributions to improving health and wellbeing outcomes. Key achievements included improving access to urgent dental care, influencing the commissioning of local health services, supporting more compassionate and person-centred approaches to care, and helping community organisations extend the reach and accessibility of their initiatives through grant funding.

The evaluation also highlighted the strengths of Hokonui's partnership-driven approach, particularly the role of collaboration, community leadership, and strong iwi partnership in identifying and responding to local needs.

While recognising the challenges involved in creating long-term systems change, the evaluation concluded that Hokonui Community-Led Health has laid important foundations for ongoing improvements in health and wellbeing across our community.

Click on the image to read the full Evaluation Report.