Based at Pito Hauora in Thames, Niho Ora ki Hauraki operated for two weeks, from the end of January to the beginning of February. Assisting patients to and from treatments and aiding with documentation when required, Te Tara o Te Whai Kaimanaaki supported whānau attending appointments.

Dental Planet provided hygiene cleanings, fillings, and extractions throughout treatment. Over two weeks, Alfred and his staff at Dental Planet were able to treat more than fifty patients. With Thames holding the greatest demand, we are happy to celebrate the success of Niho Ora ki Hauraki's first round of funded dental treatments.

The following are insights captured from whānau about their experience with Niho Ora ki Hauraki:

• “Since I was six years old, I have had an infection in my upper gums, which has continued to rot my top teeth into adulthood. I feel fear and shame. I haven't gone to WINZ because the workers are local, which is embarrassing! I am so thankful to hear about this service because my only other option was to save up and eventually go overseas. It will take me too long to save up, and my teeth will get worse!”

• “I think this initiative is amazing and will help so many people who really need dental care, and I appreciate what you are doing. Even if I don't get seen, this is still amazing mahi you are contributing, so thank you.”

• “I just want to acknowledge the team for making it possible for our community and the wider community to access a service that caters to dental health.”

• "I’m just out of school and haven’t saved much money, so this was an amazing service."
• "Over exceeded my expectations; the dentist and assistant were very gentle and lovely, made me feel at ease."

• "Very well, hospitality is comforting being a Māori myself"

• "Working part-time as a student on a tight budget, I wouldn’t be in the dentist’s chair today if it weren’t for the dental initiative."



• "So many parents will put their children first, so this dental service has been a blessing for me."

• Zara (dentist) – "One of my clients made me cry; I was so overwhelmed by her gratitude that she had bought me nail polish to give thanks.”