Hāpai Te Hauora Chief Executive Jacqui Harema has expressed concern over the appointment of Simeon Brown as Health Minister, citing his lack of healthcare experience.
However, she views it as an opportunity for him to learn and understand the complexities of healthcare delivery.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a cabinet reshuffle of National Party ministers, which saw Whangārei GP Shane Reti lose the Health portfolio to Transport Minister Brown.
Harema says Reti had a strong relationship with their organization, particularly through his efforts to address Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder last year, noting his valuable on-the-ground healthcare experience.
She says for Māori health, Brown needs to tackle long-standing issues such as chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory health, mental health, and the persistently low Māori life expectancy.
“You know, we’ve all read the reviews about the health system and how it does not cater to Māori. It’s systemically racist. So those issues haven’t changed over a long time, and they’re even coming more to the forefront. We’ve got so many issues that still haven’t improved over the last many, many years,” says Harema.
