Calls to urgently support a Maori Health Authority

The Public Health Association is calling for the Health Minister to urgently support a Māori Health Authority - with more power - before the election. The Health and Disability Review released in June recommends setting up a new Māori Health Authority to monitor inequities, and give advice on Māori health policy. But an alternative framework, at the back of the report, which had support from a majority of the review's panellists, called for an authority designed and led by Māori with power to commission health services. The Public Health Association's Māori policy advisor, Leah Bain, told Māni Dunlop there needs to be urgent action on this particular recommendation.