Te Pāti Māori President John Tamihere says Māori ministers have failed to protect Māori health.
Today, the Whānau Ora tender is released, determining funding for Te Pou Matakana (North Island Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency), Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu (South Island Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency), and Pasifika Futures (Pasifika-led Commissioning Agency).
Tamihere, CEO of Te Pou Matakana, says former Health Minister Shane Reti’s decision to disestablish Te Aka Whai Ora last year, along with Whānau Ora Minister Tama Potaka’s inaction, has allowed this to happen.
He points to former Māori National Ministers Georgina Te Heuheu and Hekia Parata as examples of how Māori MPs can still drive positive change even in parties that may not prioritize Māori.
“They still soldiered on with class. They didn’t collaborate to destroy; no, they stood their ground. It’s just incredible. What’s happening with the lack of bottle of certain people with whakapapa,” says Tamihere.
Following the Heron Report, the Public Service Commission has directed several government agencies to halt new contracts or extensions with Te Pou Matakana.
