The gap between healthcare experiences and outcomes of Māori and non-Māori was again highlighted by Health Minister Andrew Little in a recent speech preceding the announcement of radical public health reform. He stated that “We have to accept that the way our system presently delivers for Māori is inadequate. … Iwi and Māori communities are frequently consulted, but often in an advisory rather than decision-making capacity. … We must ensure partnership and effective iwi and Māori leadership at all levels.”

The New Zealand Health Group fully endorses this position, and continues to invest resources into working towards improving access and equity of healthcare for Māori. This continued investment includes appointing Ranei Wineera-Parai to Group Executive Cultural Advisor of New Zealand Health Group in March 2021.

Ranei will be consolidating the Group’s approaches to be an active and engaged Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner and help promote greater cultural confidence between the 30,000 people it supports around the country and the 12,000 health professionals it employs through its subsidiaries, including HealthCare New Zealand.