A Philosophy of Partnership

Our approach is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: that whānau and communities are the experts in their own lived experiences. Whānau and communities hold the key to understanding the challenges, aspirations, and pathways to change. Our role is to listen, to learn, and to work alongside them as partners and allies.

This isn't just a nice-to-have or a token gesture for us. It's a fundamental principle that guides every aspect of our mahi. Whether we're developing behaviour change strategies, evaluating health services, or advising on community engagement, we always begin by asking: whose voices need to be at the table? How can we create space for their kōrero to guide our thinking?

"Partnership is at the heart of everything we do," explains Dr Tim Antric, our Kaiarataki. "It's about recognising that whānau are the experts in their own lives. Our job is to listen deeply, think critically, and work alongside them to turn their insights into action."

Privileging Diverse Knowledge

In a world that often prioritises Western frameworks and "expert" opinions, we take a different stance. We believe that the knowledge held by whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities is justas valid and valuable as academic or professional expertise.  

That's why we’ve worked hard to create spaces where this knowledge can shine. We work in relationship with community organisations, Māori partners and community leaders. These relationships are ongoing and enduring.

We engage cultural advisors, community leaders, and people with lived experience as key partners in our business and in our projects. We use culturally grounded methodologies, from wānanga totalanoa, that allow insights to emerge in their most authentic form. And we continually check our own assumptions and biases, ensuring we're not imposing our own worldviews.

"Diversity isn't just a buzzword for us," says Katrina Richmond, our Head of Media and Insight. "It's about genuinely valuing the wealth of wisdom that exists in our communities.When we privilege that knowledge, we open up whole new possibilities for innovation and impact."

Insight to Action

Of course, listening and learning are just the first steps. The real test of our commitment to whānau and community voice is how we translate those insights into tangible change.

This is where our team's strategic nous and creative flair come into play. We excel at turning complex community needs into clear, compelling calls to action. Whether it's shaping new health policies, redesigning service pathways, or developing targeted behaviour change campaigns, we know how to bridge the gap between insight and impact.

We don't see engagement as a short-term one-way process. We work closely with communities to deliver, to co-design solutions, test prototypes, and refine implementation plans. We build their capacity to advocate for change and hold decision-makers accountable. And we always close the loop, reporting back on how their insights have driven action.

"For us, whānau and community engagement isn't a one-off exercise," reflects Tim Antric. "It's an ongoing relationship, a continuous cycle of listening, learning, and leading change together."

Walking the Talk

At Hemisphere, ‘whānau-led' isn't just a catchphrase. It's a commitment that shapes every facet of our agency, from the way we build our team to the way we measure our impact.

We strive to be a workplace that celebrates diversity, fosters belonging, and amplifies the voices of the people that areoften excluded. We partner with Māori, Pacific, Asian, disability, LGBTQI+ and other community organisations in genuine, reciprocal ways. And we continually challenge ourselves to walk our talk, to embody the values of partnership, humility, and aroha in all that we do.

It's not always easy. But we believe it's the only way to create lasting, meaningful change. Because when communities are in the driver's seat, when their aspirations and experiences guide the journey, extraordinary things can happen.