March 06, 2024
Iwi boards to set regional health wish lists
Health Minister Shane Reti says iwi Māori partnership boards will be in a unique place to shape the future of health care for Māori.
The boards have survived the dismantling of the Maori health authority kicked off in parliament last week.
Dr Reti says they can analyse and bring forward the health needs of their communities.
“I think they’re well placed to do that. Where that helps is to start pointing resources to where each area is saying these are our most important needs, one, two three in health, let’s focus on that, so I think they’re in a unique role to be able to gather information and shape resources towards those needs,” he says.
Dr Reti says he’s also asking the Hauora Maori Advisory Committee to monitor Maori health outcomes alongside the ministry.