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September 12, 2024
Health policy veto sends whistle to racists
Adam Gifford
Posted On September 12, 2024
Download AudioLabour Party leader Chris Hipkins says a direction by Health Minister Shane Reti is dog-whistling to racism in ordering Health New Zealand Hawke’s Bay to stop targeting young Māori and Pasifika.
Dr Reti says his veto on the criteria used to fund additional free GP and registered nurse healthcare services in the region for 14 to 24-year-olds was about reinforcing Government policy that health services were based on need, not race.
Mr Hipkins says the data shows Māori and Pasifika have poorer health outcomes than other New Zealanders, and the health system needs to do something about that.
“We’re trying to create the impression that by improving Māori health outcomes, somehow other New Zealanders are going to miss out. It’s just nonsense. If we improve health outcomes for Māori, it’s actually going to free up the health system to provide better care for all New Zealanders. I just think it’s such a step backwards, it’s shortsighted, and it’s based on politicking and frankly, dog-whistling to racism rather than good evidence to what’s going to improve health,” Mr Hipkins says.
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