October 29, 2021
First steps for Pae Oranga Bill
A special Select Committee has been set up to consider the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill, which passed its first reading this week.
The bill replaced the 20 district health boards with a national health service, Health New Zealand with a strong focus on primary health care.
It also creates the new Māori Health Authority.
Associate Health Minister (Māori Health) Peeni Henare says it’s a chance to address the disproportionate health inequities that have significantly affected Māori communities.
The Bill recognises the role of Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards for the first time and establishes a hauora Māori advisory group to advise the Minister of Health on exercising powers in relation to the Māori Health Authority.’
It also establishes an expanded Public Health Agency within the Ministry of Health to lead public health strategy, as well as an expert advisory committee on public health.