Māori health org promises ‘in tatters’

The Iwi Māori Partnership Board for Te Tauihu has called the Health Select Committee’s recommendation to pass the Health Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Bill a direct attack on Treaty rights.

Te Kāhui Hauora o Te Tauihu, the IMPB which represents the eight iwi of the top of the South Island, says the proposed changes will strip IMPBs of their core functions, undoing years of progress toward equitable health outcomes for Māori.

The bill, expected to have its third reading in Parliament within weeks, removes IMPBs’ ability to influence local health investment decisions, monitor system performance, lead improvement actions, politicises its advisory committee and weakens Te Tiriti obligations from active partnership to passive recognition.

Chief Executive Dr. Kim Ngawhika warned the changes will perpetuate systemic inequities.

“The bill undoes years of progress, sidelines our voices and removes a legislative requirement for Health NZ to respond to our priorities. This only perpetuates the underperformance and inequities that have plagued Māori health for decades.”

IMPBs were established under the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 to ensure Māori voices in health decision-making. When Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority, was dismantled last year, IMPBs were promised an expanded role.

“That commitment now lies in tatters,” said Dr. Ngawhika. Te Kāhui Hauora argues the Health Committee has ignored decades of research showing communities achieve better health outcomes when they have a formal voice in service design and delivery.

“We wholeheartedly reject the recommendation that the bill be passed. It is unnecessary, harmful, and another assault on Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”