RANGITĀNE O WAIRAU ENCOURAGED BY ESTABLISHMENT OF MĀORI HEALTH AUTHORITY

Rangitāne o Wairau is encouraged by the changes announced today by the Government in relation to the proposed health sector reforms, and, is supportive of the establishment of a Māori Health Authority.

Rangitāne o Wairau General Manager Corey Hebberd says that for too long, New Zealand’s health system has delivered inequitable health outcomes for Māori.

“The establishment of a Māori Health Authority will enable Māori to have a greater say on the services that they receive.  Like the successful Whānau Ora initiative, the Authority must have commissioning powers that enable a by Māori, for Māori approach”

Hebberd says that the new Māori Health Authority must truly give Māori tino rangatiratanga and the reforms needed to ensure the Crown met its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“For too long, Māori have suffered inequitable outcomes.  We’re excited by the changes outlined, to achieve pae ora – good health for all – but of course, the devil is in the detail and we’ll be keeping a watching brief on next steps”

Hebberd says that whilst Te Tiriti o Waitangi guaranteed Māori full rights and benefits in Aotearoa, the health and wellbeing outcomes for Māori are still significantly poorer than for non-Māori New Zealanders.

“The reforms announced today give us hope that through empowering Māori, we will begin to turn the tide on inequitable health outcomes across Aotearoa”

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For further information, contact Corey Hebberd, General Manager, Rangitāne o Wairau, 03 578 6180 or email manager@rangitane.org.nz