December 14, 2023
Māori health initiatives to continue past Te Aka Whai Ora
Te Aka Whai Ora chief executive Riana Manuel she has been encouraged by her initial meetings with new Health Minister Shane Reti.
She says as a former Northland general practitioner Dr Reti knows what grassroots looks like for Māori, and he’s keen to continue with the iwi-Māori partnership boards which have been a big part of the Māori health authority’s mahi in its first year.
Dr Reti has made it clear Te Aka Whai Ora will be disestablished, but has promised to focus on need.
“I’m so encouraged by Minister Reti and Minister Doocey’s commitment to Māori health, particularly with Māori mental health, and those core things we have been working on, our immunisation programme, and we’re looking forward to supporting that kind of commitment going forward because the work doesn’t stop,” Ms Manuel says.
The Iwi Māori partnership boards should help government engage iwi, hapū and whānau social services in tackling health problems.