A First Nation government representative from Canada is in New Zealand to learn more about Whanau Ora so it can develop a similar policy in its own nation.
Te Ururoa Flavell, Minister of Whanau Ora. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The Listuguj First Nations people live in the southwestern part of Gaspé Peninsula, Québec, and have a population of nearly 4,000.
Paul Stanley is executive director of the Listuguj Mi'gmaq government and has worked with First Nation organisations in Alaska, Australia, Pacific Islands and California.
Mr Stanley, who hails from Tainui and Mataatua waka, is back home in New Zealand to talk to iwi about setting up a secondment programme, in which a a senior member working in Whanau Ora will spend time with the Listuguj nation.
In return it could send one of its staff to Aotearoa to help provide advice on sovereignty.
First Nations reserves look after their own affairs such as social services, policing, and roading.
He said its government was looking at amalgamating services in Canada because of its shrinking economy.
Mr Stanley will talk to Ngati Whatua, Tainui and the Waipareira Trust in Auckland. His government wants to learn the intricate details of Whanau Ora.