November 18, 2022
Māori Health Authority commissions extra services
The Māori Health Authority Te Aka Whai Ora has commissioned $71.6 million in services from Māori primary and community healthcare providers.
Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare says it will address historical underfunding and help put the providers on a sustainable footing.
The funding includes $13 million for contract increases and $11.7 million to support innovation and ensure diverse whānau voices inform the design and provision of healthcare.
Almost $30 million will go to the four priority areas identified in the new Te Pae Tata nationwide health plan – maternity and early years, cancer, people living with chronic health conditions, and mental health including suicide prevention.
Māori workforce development and initiatives to grow the health workforce are also priorities within all these investment areas.
Mr Henare says growing kaupapa Māori services, supporting Māori innovation and creativity, and giving Māori a strong voice in the health system are key to improving disproportionate health outcome.
Te Aka Whai Ora’s other new commissioning investments include $17.6 million to expand mātauranga Māori services, te ao Māori solutions, and population health.
More than 149 Māori providers received funding in the first funding round in May, including support for rongoā Māori providers.