February 03, 2023
Fresh look at hauora Maori strategy
The Health Ministry is going on the road to get iwi and Maori input into the development of its hauora Maori strategy.
John Whaanga, the deputy director general Maori, says it’s one of six new strategies that need to be formalised before thenext financial year as a result of the passing of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022.
The first wananga is in Whangarei next Wednesday and Thursday.
He says the ministry is working on the projectwith Te Aka Whai Ora, the Maori health authority, building on the 20-year-old He Korowai Oranga framework developed by Professor Sir Mason Durie and the 2020 Whakamaua: Māori Health Action Plan.
“Both those things were developed before the current reforms so it’s really important we still make sure they’re in line with people’s expectations. It’s a chance to check in again with our people to make sure we’ve got the big settings right as we move forward,” he says.
John Whaanga says the process is designed so the Maori stategy fits in with strategies for Pacific health, disabled people, women’s and rural health.