In October 2015 Waka Rewards were launched to recognise staff displaying behaviours based on Hauora Tairawhiti's new WAKA values. Staff are nominated by a fellow staff member or their manager. A Waka Rewards committee approves all rewards - by email. When the reward is approved staff receive a certificate and a small voucher. The certificate is presented at a team gathering by the Department Manager.
This initiative has been embraced throughout the organisation and is a fantastic way to share stories about the fanatastic work staff do every day. These stories range from staff who have gone out of their way to make sure vital chemotherapy medication is kept refrigerated when delivered to the wrong place, to a paeditrician who along with her UK based mother, knit vests and hats for premature babies.
As at 1 July 2016, 213 Waka Rewards had been given out. Some rewarded staff have had their stories shared on Faceboook and in our weekly staff newsletter Waka Weekly.
Paula Bruce, Anne Boyce and Trudi Botma receive a Waka Reward