PĀNUI
NEWS
He Waka Tapu Strengthens Long-Standing Partnership with MSD.
12 / 03 / 2026
He Waka Tapu (HWT) recently welcomed Ministry of Social Development (MSD) representatives to their Canterbury site, reaffirming a valued and enduring relationship built on a shared commitment to strengthening whānau and communities across the region.

Our CEO and Capabilities lead recently met with Blair McKenzie, MSD's Canterbury Regional Commissioner, and Denise Jackson, Relationship Manager, in an informal onsite visit aimed at connecting and strengthening stakeholder relationships. Blair took the opportunity to learn more about He Waka Tapu, Te Aranga Health, and the future projects and services in the pipeline.
HWT have enjoyed a very long relationship with MSD and it was their privilege to host Blair and Denise. Blair has provided high-level support to He Waka Tapu for many years, while Denise has championed the organisation at a regional level. In a testament to dedication and institutional knowledge, Denise's tenure with MSD and contract management has endured for an impressive 47 years, rāwe e hoa!
He Waka Tapu looks forward to continuing to work alongside MSD to strengthen communities and deliver meaningful outcomes for whānau for many more years to come.
