Mangakino Wellbeing Project

The Mangakino Wellbeing Project is a community-led initiative designed to improve metabolic health and wellbeing in a rural setting through practical, culturally responsive lifestyle approaches. Led by the Mangakino Health Centre in partnership with AUT researchers and local leaders, the project draws on Blue Zone–inspired principles and implementation science to support sustainable, community-defined change.

Working closely with whānau, mana whenua, and local organisations, the project is co-designing initiatives that integrate whole food nutrition, movement, sleep, social connection, and supportive environments, linked with general practice. The current phase focuses on community consultation and co-design to ensure the approach is locally relevant, feasible within primary care, and scalable to other rural communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.