December 23, 2021
Health reforms tackle structural racism
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon hopes the new health system will help overcome structural racism.
Health Minister Andrew Little this week announced the appointments of Counties Manukau DHB head Margie Apa to run Health NZ, which will replace the 20 district health boards, and Riana Manuel from Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki to run the new Māori Health Authority.
Mr Foon says health is an area where institutional structures have driven poor Māori outcomes.
He says it’s a brave step the Government is taking.
“I’m really hoping the Māori Health Authority and NZ Health are going to have that structural change and change the way we deliver health to New Zealanders. Give nothing to racism,” Mr Foon says.
Meng Foon says the health reforms are in line with the National Action Plan against Racism being developed by the Commission.