Te Aka Whai Ora

New Zealand's Māori Health Authority

Logo of Te Aka Whai Ora

Te Aka Whai Ora, also known as the Māori Health Authority, is a statutory entity in New Zealand established to improve health outcomes for Māori people and to ensure the delivery of health services that are culturally appropriate and effective. It was formed as part of a significant health system reform aimed at addressing longstanding disparities in health between Māori and non-Māori populations.

Establishment

Te Aka Whai Ora was officially established on 1 July 2022, following the passage of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022. This legislation was part of a broader effort to restructure the New Zealand health system, which included the creation of Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) to replace the existing district health boards.

Purpose and Functions

The primary purpose of Te Aka Whai Ora is to ensure that Māori have equitable access to health services and to improve the overall health and wellbeing of Māori communities. The authority is tasked with:

• Commissioning health services specifically for Māori.
• Partnering with Health New Zealand to plan and deliver health services.
• Monitoring the performance of the health system in relation to Māori health outcomes.
• Providing leadership and advocacy for Māori health needs and priorities.

Governance

Te Aka Whai Ora is governed by a board appointed by the Minister of Health. The board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the authority and ensuring that it meets its objectives. The governance structure is designed to reflect the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), emphasizing partnership, protection, and participation.

Strategic Priorities

The strategic priorities of Te Aka Whai Ora include:

• Reducing health inequities between Māori and non-Māori.
• Enhancing the cultural competence of the health workforce.
• Supporting the development of Māori health providers.
• Promoting Māori models of health and wellbeing.

Partnerships

Te Aka Whai Ora works closely with a range of partners, including iwi (tribes), hapū (sub-tribes), and other Māori organizations, to ensure that health services are responsive to the needs of Māori communities. It also collaborates with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to achieve its goals.

Challenges and Opportunities

The establishment of Te Aka Whai Ora represents a significant opportunity to address systemic issues in the health system and to create a more equitable and effective health service for Māori. However, the authority also faces challenges, including the need to build capacity and capability within the Māori health sector and to navigate complex relationships with other health entities.

Related pages

• Health New Zealand
• Māori people
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Health in New Zealand