08/12/2025
Tēnā tātou
You may have seen recent media coverage regarding Te Kāika. We are writing to provide clarity and reassurance to our partners and stakeholders.
Te Kāika is disappointed that the Otago Daily Times considered it appropriate to publish articles based on comments from a small number of former staff who lodged personal grievances. These matters were subject to formal employment processes, and some of the individuals involved are bound by confidentiality agreements. Te Kāika has met its legal obligations and is disappointed that these former staff members have not honoured theirs.
Our organisation remains focused on delivering high-quality, accessible services to our community. Demand for our services, strong performance measures, and continued partnerships confirm that our model is working well. As Te Kāika has grown, we have strengthened our leadership and structure to meet increasing needs. While most staff have supported this direction, a small number did not.
The ODT itself has stated that Te Kāika was “a brave and game-changing idea which worked.” It continues to work, and every day we see the positive impact on whānau across our region.
Te Kāika wants to publicly thank all current team members for their mahi.
Clarification on DIA Review:
It is important to note that the construction of the Te Kāika Wellbeing hub has been funded entirely by a bank loan.
The article also referenced a Department of Internal Affairs investigation and referenced an “unsecured, interest-free loan” to Board Chair Donna Matahaere-Atariki. The Board wants to provide the facts in relation to this loan.
To complete the construction of our College Street premises, Ōtākou Health Limited (OHL) who own and manage Te Kāika operations, required additional lending. BNZ sought extra security due to national cost escalations in the building sector. Hokonui Research and Development Limited assisted by providing $1.72 million in cash as security. BNZ required cash rather than property as security because Ōtākou Health Limited’s assets did not meet lending thresholds.
Hokonui, in turn, secured its position over ŌHL properties not mortgaged to BNZ and over Ms Matahaere-Atariki’s home. ŌHL cleared an existing $92,000 mortgage on her property to enable this. Ms Matahaere-Atariki accepted personal financial risk for two years to ensure the project could proceed. All legal processes were followed, and without this commitment, the College Street development would not have been completed.
Ms Matahaere-Atariki had not wanted to make this information available to the ODT investigation as she considered it private and not necessary in the public domain. Te Kāika Board is disappointed that we have had to reveal personal information about this transaction in order to address the issue.
The alleged $5,000 loan to CEO Matthew Matahaere was incorrectly recorded due to an accounting coding error. The $5,000 payment related to legal fees for a matter entirely unrelated to Mr Matahaere; he received no benefit from this payment. This error will be corrected in the upcoming accounts.
Te Kāika values your support and partnership. We remain focused on our kaupapa and on delivering services that make a tangible difference for our community.
Te Kāika is cooperating fully with the enquiry If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please contact me directly.
Heoi anō
Te Kāika Board
