Changes to the Pae Ora Act raise questions about Māori voice in the health system
Some changes to the Pae Ora health law are raising concerns among Māori health leaders and others across the health sector.
Iwi Māori Partnership Boards were set up to help local iwi keep an eye on how the health system is performing for Māori communities.
The Government is proposing amendments that would reduce its role and remove some of the equity and Te Tiriti expertise currently built into the system.
Supporters say the changes simplify governance.
Critics say they sideline Māori voices and weaken accountability for Māori health outcomes.
Given the scale of the health inequities Māori face in Aotearoa, that’s not a small debate.
The Waikato-based Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board, which represents more than 121,000 Māori, says iwi-led planning has helped improve access to services and health outcomes in its region. The board warns that the proposed changes risk weakening that progress.
You can read the full article from NZ Doctor here
https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/undoctored/pae-ora-bill-weakens-maori-voice-erodes-accountability
Why this matters
At Kaitiaki Hauora, we believe the way the health system is designed directly impacts the outcomes people experience.
When communities have a real voice in how services are planned and delivered, the system is more accountable and more responsive.
Strengthening community voice and accountability is one of the priorities we are campaigning for as part of building a health system that works better for everyone.
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