April 05, 2024
ACC pledge to do better for Māori
As the Accident Compensation Commission turns 50, its chief executive has conceded it hasn’t always done right by Māori.
Megan Main says the scheme continues to be world-leading, and it has extended its coverage into areas like victims of family and sexual violence or for medical injuries.
She says while it’s available to everyone, it hasn’t always met the needs of Māori clients, with a lack of choice in services, especially those which contain an element of tikanga.
“There is plenty of evidence that shows Māori are more likely to be in injured than non-Māori but less likely to claim from ACC and we also know in many regions Māori are working in higher risk occupations so for us this is about making sure people who are injured get access,” Ms Main says.
For the first time this year ACC will report on barriers to access to the scheme by Māori and some other population groups .
A culturally responsive hāpai case management scheme run in the North Island is being expanded to the South Island.
There is also the kaupapa Māori navigation service which Māori clients and whānau can use to break down barriers in navigating the complex barriers to ACC and the health system.