Waikato-Tainui Welcomes New Maaori Health Authority

Waikato-Tainui is welcoming today’s announcement that will completely reform the health system and set up a new Maaori Health Authority to respond to the inequity of outcomes in the Health sector.

Minister Henare is leading work on the establishment of the new Maaori Health Authority and has committed to working with Iwi to inform the next steps toward implementation.

Te Arataura Chair Linda Te Aho says our current health system is broken. These proposals are transformational it’s a step in the right direction and we are looking forward to engaging with him the Minister and his officials to ensure our treaty partnership expectations are reflected in the key discussion phases within the tight timeframes.  As always, ‘the devil is in the detail’.

“This is about building a Maaori Health Authority that is both robust and agile enough to respond to the health needs of our people in a holistic way that aligns with our expectations for manaakitanga,” says Linda.

“The health and well-being of our people is paramount, and we can only address the issues if we work together to build a system that addresses the fundamental issues facing our people.”

Earlier this week the Health Quality and Safety Commission released a report showing young Maaori who has suffered major trauma are three times more likely to die in the following month than other young people who have suffered the same injuries.

Te Whakakitenga o Waikato Chair Parekawhia McLean says the issues are clearly systemic and this is supported by the numbers therefore disruptive change is exactly what is needed.

“Clearly this is not just about the Maaori Health Authority but also about being visible in the architecture of the entire system including the revamped Ministry of Health (Policy) and Health NZ which will deliver and procure services.”

“Integration across all three organisations will need to be seamless to ensure there is alignment and commitment toward addressing the current state of Maaori health and well-being,” said Parekawhia.

Contact

Jason Ake
GM Communications and Engagement
0272010061