Reflective thinking shapes the programme to establish management systems and ensure continuous quality improvement.  Unique characteristics of Te Wana include the foundation Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi standards; core organisation and specific service delivery  standards to customise the external assessments.

Because Te Wana is a continuous improvement programme emphasising ongoing system development, independent reviewers or assessors are joined by trained peer reviewers to ensure that the specific nature of the organisation and service is known and understood. This process reinforces the depth and validity of external accreditation reviews which provides assurance about safety and risk systems as well as offers development recommendations and achievement commendations rather than use a simple compliance audit model.

These features strengthen the sector, keep the programme costs reasonable, provide staff with professional development and promote reviewers who are appropriate for and knowledgeable about the nature of your service.

Te Wana’s programme cycle follows key milestones typical of continuous quality improvement:
- internal review or self assessment (by service and stakeholders)
- external review conducted by peer reviewers
- feedback (identifying strengths and areas for improvement)
- taking action (taking a planned, systematic approach to service development based on internal and external review)

Te Wana is used by a range of groups including iwi services, Pacifika, youth, primary health, mental health, community social services such as housing, and national lobbying organisations. The organisations vary in size from a few staff to hundreds, some with volunteer involvement in their services. Over 60 organisations have used Te Wana for their quality improvement programme and more than 30 maintain their accreditation.

Te Wana understands that every organisation and sector type is different and that is why it offers a range of options to assist organisations to improve their quality systems and outcomes for service users, staff and community. Organisations do not have to be highly advanced or knowledgeable in quality systems to benefit from the programme – training and resources are provided. Our flexible approach means we can customise a package to meet individual requirements and needs.

Te Wana is licensed with Accreditation Alliance Australia-New Zealand (AAA-NZ) which allows us to offer annual certification as well as a three year accreditation.

Accreditation Alliance Australia–New Zealand (AAA-NZ) formed in 2010 when a group of quality consultants and assessors, from both nations, responded to primary health and social services sector concerns and feedback about duplications, reporting burdens and lack of acknowledgement of culture.

The alliance members wanted to design a a standards framework in a more contemporary, approach that could streamline duplication and still incorporate the universal characteristics considered as essential to any organisation with an established culture of quality. So although it takes a fresh approach the AAA-NZ framework is consistent with international accreditation process and protocols.

The standards have been assessed by ISQua, an international standards accreditation organisation and received praise for its design and two exceeded ratings for cultural content and quality improvement integration. Te Wana Trust is authorized to deliver the programme in Aotearoa and Australia.

Te Wana Standards and Accreditation Programme will give you an across-the-board report card on your organisation’s quality performance every three years, a process to identify quality improvement priorities leading to an implemented Quality Work Plan, and support to build continuous quality improvement in your organisation over time. The Programme is more than an accreditation review every three years. It is a proven continuous quality improvement method not an audit certification.

Joining the Programme involves contracting with us to meet the Programme Requirements as well as receive the benefits. Contracts may be for one or three years, with fees payable in instalments negotiated by Te Wana and participating organisations.

When you join the programme you will receive:
- the right to participate in the Programme for three years
- a copy of the Standards you are usinga preparation Session
- an electronic template for recording your self assessment against the Standards
- a comprehensive Companion Guide interpreting Standards with examples of good practice
- an assessment/accreditation review against the Standards, by trained peer reviewers who will visit your site/s for 2-3 days
- if you meet the requirements, Certification or Accreditation and use of the logo for promotional purposesmonitoring and support on the preparation and implementation of a Quality Workplan
- opportunity for staff to become trained peer reviewers.