February 26, 2026

#hauora: Ministry Outlines Māori Health Priorities and System Changes

Dale Husband Posted On February 26, 2026

Dale Husband #hauora: Ministry Outlines Māori Health Priorities and System Changes

daSenior Māori health leader John Whaanga, Deputy Director-General Māori Health at Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health, has outlined key priorities for the year ahead, including prescription reforms, ADHD services, disaster recovery support and strengthening Māori partnership structures.

Whaanga says the Ministry’s focus remains on equity and ensuring policy shifts translate into improved access and continuity of care for whānau.

With prescription funding and access settings evolving this year, the Ministry wants whānau to understand that changes are designed to improve safety, affordability and system sustainability. Officials say the intent is to reduce barriers to essential medicines while ensuring appropriate clinical oversight.

The Ministry is emphasising continuity of care during the transition period, encouraging patients to maintain contact with their GPs, pharmacists and primary care teams. Clear communication is being positioned as critical to avoid confusion and ensure whānau understand how new prescribing processes affect repeat scripts and funded medicines.

ADHD diagnosis and support has become a growing concern for families nationwide, particularly regarding long wait times and limited specialist availability. The Ministry acknowledges the rising demand and is working to improve assessment pathways through expanded workforce capability and clearer referral systems.

There is also recognition that culturally appropriate models of care are essential. For Māori tamariki and rangatahi, support must align with whānau-centred approaches and kaupapa Māori providers. Officials say improvements are being pursued through collaboration with primary care, mental health services and community-based organisations to ensure more timely and equitable access.

In regions such as Te Tai Tokerau and Tairāwhiti, repeated flooding and extreme weather events have compounded health challenges. The Ministry says it continues to work alongside iwi, local providers and emergency management agencies to maintain essential services during recovery phases.

Support measures include flexible funding arrangements, mobile clinics, telehealth expansion and infrastructure resilience planning. Ensuring continuity of primary care, mental health services and public health outreach remains a priority in areas facing ongoing environmental disruption.

February’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is being used as an opportunity to strengthen public understanding of early detection and symptom awareness. The Ministry is also advancing consultation on Ngā Paerewa, the national health quality standards framework.

Officials say public engagement during consultation ensures Māori perspectives are embedded in future quality benchmarks across the health system. Aligning Ngā Paerewa with equity commitments is viewed as central to lifting outcomes for Māori and reducing systemic gaps.

The evolving role of Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards remains a cornerstone of the health reform agenda. Newly recognised entities such as Te Pūhana Ora are part of efforts to embed iwi voice within planning and commissioning processes.

Whaanga says partnership structures must move beyond advisory status toward meaningful influence over service design and delivery. Strengthening collaboration between the Crown and iwi partners is seen as essential to honouring Te Tiriti commitments and advancing equitable health outcomes.

As the year unfolds, the Ministry’s direction signals continued emphasis on access, resilience and partnership, with Māori health equity positioned at the centre of national reform efforts.