Arthritis NZ had a stall at the 25th annual Te Rā o te Raukura (Te Rā) at Te Whiti Park in Lower Hutt, Wellington on 27 January 2024. 

Te Rā o te Raukura is a whānau-oriented community cultural festival that promotes health (hauora), education, entertainment, culture and whānau through a range of stalls, cultural and musical groups, and activities. Arohanui ki te tangata (“Good will to all men”) is interwoven into all aspects of the festival. 

Since its beginnings in 1997, Te Ra o Te Raukura has become one of the largest annual Māori Cultural events held in the region. The annual average attendance is around 16,000 people. 

There are many interactive activities on show for the whole whānau to enjoy and participate in. Music entertainment from local and well-known artists, kapa haka groups and top New Zealand bands all perform for the community throughout the day. Government agencies, NGOs, Māori Community Groups and whānau display a range of stalls to showcase their mahi and resources. There are also lots of fun activities for the tamariki to enjoy. Overall, this is one event that brings whanau and the community together. 

Arthritis NZ’s health promotion stall was led by our very own Community Development Coordinator Zechariah Reuelu with the support of a pharmacist, Ajay Kumar doing uric acid tests on the day. 

“We have been working with key organisations and people to increase gout literacy to Māori and Pasifika people. Arthritis NZ promoted awareness for gout management and highlighted the role community pharmacy plays with gout consumers. The korero was to understand better the Hutt Valley providers and their relationship with community pharmacists,” explained Reuelu. 

Digital Warrant of Fitness 

Reuelu said he was impressed with the introduction of the digital Warranty of Fitness. “Each stakeholder was issued with a digital device to record appropriate information. When participants entered the health marquee, they were encouraged to register their details and ask whether they would like their recorded information (such as uric acid reading) to be forward to their GP medical clinic. Arthritis NZ engaged with up to 22 patients and their whanau,” said Reuelu.