Memorandum of Understanding between Te Kōhao Health and The Selwyn Foundation

Strengthening our partnership 

Following the ceremony, a Kāwenata – Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with Te Kōhao Health, formalising a joint commitment to an enduring partnership across the Te Hauora Mahara kaupapa. The MOU reflects a long-term approach centred on shared values, collaboration, and collective responsibility for supporting kaumātua and whānau impacted by mate wareware

Representatives of Te Kōhao Health and The Selwyn Foundation Board and Executive Leadership team at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding at Kirikiriroa Marae to develop the new dedicated day centre together.

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As Denise Cosgrove, Chief Executive of The Selwyn Foundation, noted, this partnership represents an important step toward delivering place-based, culturally appropriate care that supports kaumātua to age with dignity in their own homes and communities.

“The Selwyn Foundation is proud to partner with Te Kōhao Health in providing this much-needed service, that will positively impact the lives of kaumātua experiencing mate wareware/dementia, and we look forward to the start of operations at the new centre in the months to come.”

The respite service will be grounded in te reo Māori, tikanga and mātauranga Māori — offering a home-like, non-institutional environment where kaumātua can connect through shared activities, kai and whakawhanaungatanga. It will also provide whānau with reassurance and a chance to rest, knowing their loved ones are supported in a setting that feels safe, familiar and culturally affirming.

Click HERE for the full press release