July 05, 2021
Maori Health Authority opposite of separatism
Health Minister Andrew Little says the new Māori Health Authority will only work if it forms a close partnership with the new national health body, Health NZ.
He's disappointed at Opposition efforts to paint the reform as separatist, when its aim is to imporove and enhance delivery of services.
The Māori Health Authority will have the independence to develop its own kaupapa, get its own data and commission services, but it has to work closely with the rest of the health system.
"The whole of the health system has to deliver for Māori and the Māori Health Authority offers the opportunity for the voice, the partner contemplated by the treaty to be there when it comes to health services and health policy, that's what that's about, and far from separatism, it will only work when it is working in full cooperation with the rest of the system," Mr Little says.
Andrew Little says he's impressed with the work Tā Mason is doing on establishing the new authority.
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