March 15, 2022
Rongoā boost as Māori Health Authority sets course
The interim Māori Health Authority is flexing its muscles with a $22 million package to embed te ao Māori perspectives and initiatives throughout the health system.
Co-chair Tipa Mahuta says it will support the development of kaupapa Māori workforce, rongoā services, mātauranga Māori models of care and kaupapa Māori approaches to keeping people well.
The authority is still working on its longer-term budget.
She says the authority is ready and willing to work alongside the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand to make the transformational changes Māori have been crying out for.
Specific areas to be funded from the allocation include:
• – $3 million for mātauranga Māori initiatives and services
• – $6 million to support Māori providers with innovation and sustainability projects
• – $5 million to support kaupapa Māori approaches to population health
• – $2 million to expand existing rongoā services; and
• – $2 million to support further development of the Māori workforce.
A further $3.2 million has been allocated by the Māori Health Authority and the Māori Health Directorate of the Ministry of Health to support the establishment of Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards this year.