Listen Now: 
Download AudioThe head of the Health Ministry’s Māori directorate says everyone in the sector expects to hit the ground running when the Māori Health Authority and Health New Zealand officially start work on Friday.
John Whaanga says he’s worked closely with the Māori unit in the transition unit and with the Interim Māori Health Authority, especially around the setting up of iwi Māori partnership boards.
He expects those boards will be critical in the new system.
“The Māori Health Authority will set up iwi-Māori partnership boards and work with communities to understand their aspiration and make sure they are reflected in priorities and planning in the new system, both for the things they lead and importantly the things they will be doing with heath New Zealand,” Mr Whaanga says.
John Whaanga says the ministry will continue with its roles as the chief steward of the health sector and principal advisor to the minister, and his directorate is also working with other ministers to respond to treaty claims and issues.
RELATED NEWS
