May 27, 2021
Tribal executives asked to pick Maori Health Authority board
Urban Māori are absent from the steering group put together by Sir Mason Durie to identify candidates for the interim board of the Māori Health Authority.
The group is heavy on tribal executives, with Dr Matire Harwood the only medical practitioner.
Ngāi Tahu's Sir Mark Solomon, Kim Ngarimu from Ngāti Porou and Parekawhia McLean from Waikato Tainui chair have experience at governance or executive level on district health boards.
The other members are Rāhui Papa from Waikato Tainui, Rongowhakaata Trust general manager Amohaere Houkamau and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu chair Lisa Tumahai.
The Steering Group will provide advice to the Transition Unit in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on governance arrangements and initial appointments to an interim board.
Health Minister Andrew Little says the members were chosen by Tā Mason given their knowledge, background and mana across Māori health, Whānau Ora, iwi leadership and governance roles.
He's confident that their leadership, experience and perspectives will enable access to the network of talent within Māoridom and allow them to identify a high-performing group of candidates to lead the authority.
They have been asked to come up with a shortlist by the end of July, with the aim of having the interim authority start work in September.
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