Podcasts about maori health authority

This week we've been tracking the urgent inquiry by the Waitangi Tribunal into the dis-establishment of Te Aka Whai Ora, the Maori Health Authority.

Maori have been protesting in large numbers, in a 9-day hikoi or march of defiance, walking from the top of New Zealand down to the capital Wellington, joined by non-Maori supporters too. They're demonstrating against the current right-of-centre New Zealand government's moves to abolish certain Maori-specific rights and privileges, that the previous centre-left government had set up to help combat Maori disadvantage. For example, a Maori Health Authority had tried to tackle health inequalities that mean Maori live seven years less than other New Zealanders. Maori also come bottom in statistics for employment, housing and education, but are overrepresented in prison.Now a law proposal about the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, would do away with what has been a form of affirmative action, and instead treat everyone the same, regardless of heritage.Some feel this is necessary to achieve proper equality. Others feel that Maori progress will be undone and inequality entrenched.

The mantra of the current government is to ‘get the country back on track', but Honorary Associate professor Avril Bell says the current government is looking at safeguarding Pakeha privilege at the expense of Maori. The removal of section 7aa, repealing the Maori Health Authority are some of the actions the government had taken which Avril claims are exclusively ‘anti-Maori'. Sasha spoke to Avril Bell from the University of Auckland about why what's good for Maori is good for everyone.

Thousands of people rallied across the country on Thursday to protest the coalition government's policies - including axing the Maori Health Authority, removing local councils' right to set up Maori wards, removing reference to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in legislation, and the Act Party's bid to redefine the Treaty principles. Julia Whaipooti is a leader at Te Kahui Tika Tangata, the Human Rights Commission. Her opinion piece argues Budget 24 disadvantages Maori financially and falls short of the Crown's te Tiriti obligations.

Christopher Luxon is more concerned about hitting his arbitrary 100 day mark than making good policy. There was a group going to put a case before the Waitangi Tribunal in 2 days, and National started the process of repealing the Maori Health Authority under urgency which means the Tribunal will likely not hear the case as they don't take cases that are being debated by Parliament ================================================ Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠ Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter. @patbrittenden @Chewie_NZ

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Adrian Orr: 6/10  The cash rate holds and he is nowhere near as hawkish as they thought. All of that is good. He just needs to be right.    Trump: 6/10  Won South Carolina, won Michigan and the Supreme Court will hear his immunity case.    Ginny Andersen: 6/10  Apologised on this station twice and both times I judged with genuine sincerity. An apology puts a lot of stuff right.    Newshub: 3/10  A mixture of sadness tinged with writing on the wall. It wasn't the surprise some made it out to be.    NCEA: 2/10  More results of more people failing and that's a massive social and moral stain on this country and its future.    The Māori Health Authority: 6/10  Gone and good riddance. Race-based policy is racist, divisive and destructive.    Gang patches: 6/10  A simple and demonstrative part of an overall approach that is six years overdue.    Stuart Nash: 8/10  Truth bomber of the week.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FIRST WITH YESTERDAY'S NEWS (highlights from Thursday on Newstalk ZB) Where You Should Really Get Your News/It's Just an Opinion/Hurting Christchurch's Feelings/The Hunt for 98 ContinuesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Free flu vaccines for Māori and Pasifika people aged between 55 and 64 are no longer free. In 2022 and 2023 Pharmac widened free access to vaccines for this group, and for children up to 12 years old, from the Government's Covid-19 budget - and that budget has now run out. Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen, chief medical officer at Te Aka Whai ora - Maori Health Authority, spoke to Corin Dann.

Dr Lara Greaves talks about the closure of Newshub, the dissolution of the Maori Health Authority and the Gang Patch Ban on Political Commentary.  

The dismantling of the Maori Health Authority is under way, as the Government pushes ahead with its legislation to scrap Te Aka Whai Ora. Parliament has gone into urgency to pass the bill through all three readings, prompting cries of outrage from the opposition. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Top stories for Wednesday the 28th of February 2024 A major shake up of gun laws this year could see semi-automatic firearms back on the gun range this year. There was anger in the House last night over the dismantling of The Maori Health Authority. Mortgage holders nervously await the Reserve Bank's Official Cash Rate announcement today. Immigration officials come in for criticism over poor assessment of visa abuse. A person was hospitalized after a fire in a Christchurch Apartment building last night.

The Maori Health Authority, Te Aka Whai Ora, is on life support as the government rushes to dismantle it under urgency. Opposition MPs were furious not just at the repeal, but the manner in which it has been done, in an emotional evening at Parliament. Political reporter Giles Dexter has more.

The Maori Health Authority, Te Aka Whai Ora, is on life support as the government rushes to dismantle it under urgency. Opposition MPs were furious not just at the repeal, but the manner in which it has been done, in an emotional evening at Parliament. Political reporter Giles Dexter has more.

The Government has moved forward with plans to table a bill to disestablish the Maori Health Authority, tabling a bill this week that would see the authority shuttered after less than two years of operation.  It follows through on a campaign promise by all three coalition partners, and is a part of their 100-day plan.  So why is the authority being shut down after less than two years of operation – and, as the health system struggles with staffing shortages and high waiting times, where does this sit within the government's other health priorities?   Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald health reporter Isaac Davison joins to discuss how the government plans to turn around an under-pressure health system.   Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top stories for Tuesday 27 February 2024 Confidential briefings show Associate Health Minister Casey Costello rejected official advice urging the government to keep some aspects of its Smokefree Legislation. Labour says the government is prioritising tax cuts over classrooms for children. Cancer patients are waiting four times longer than they should for bone marrow transplants - doctors say the delays could be deadly. Legislation to disestablish the Maori Health Authority is to be heard under urgency today. A small Taranaki town wins big at the National Rowing Champs.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Monday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) A Bit of an Impasse/Stop Your Forecasting/When Foreign Nurses Are a Bit Too Foreign/Why Fail Once When You Can Fail Twice?/The Search for 98See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maori health advocates are trying to defend Te Aka Whai Ora .. the Maori Health Authority as the new government begins work to disestablish it. Lady Tureiti Moxon filed an urgent claim with the Waitangi Tribunal alongside Maori primary health leader Janice Kuka, citing concerns that the removal of Te Aka Whai Ora will result in prejudice in healthcare. It comes days after an urgent complaint was filed by Tauranga iwi Ngai Te Rangi for government moves to reduce the use of te reo. Lady Moxon spoke with Ingrid Hipkiss

The Coalition Government is planning to review how it gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, saying it is focused on the principle of equal citizenship. As part of National's agreements with New Zealand First and ACT, the government is planning to review all the laws that contain references to "The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi" - except for full and final settlements - and to take a Treaty Principles Bill to select committee as soon as practicable. Other aspects of the agreements include abolishing the Maori Health Authority, requiring local referenda on Maori local body wards, and removing co-governance from the delivery of public services. Te Wānanga o Raukawa lead academic for Māori Laws and Philosophy Carwyn Jones spoke to Corin Dann.

Rheumatic fever rates are on the rise, and have now returned to pre-Covid levels. Despite other high income nations reducing or near eliminating rheumatic fever, New Zealand is still struggling to control the disease. Rheumatic fever is preventable, and Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen says the country has an obligation to eliminate the disease, which disproportionately affects Maori and Pasifika people. He says New Zealand must address over-crowding in homes, and how the health system reaches the most vulnerable. Susie Ferguson speaks to Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen, the chief medical officer at Te Aka Whai Ora, the Maori Health Authority.

The Maori Health Authority is already tracking behind government commitments. The Hauora Maori Advisory Committee report shows Te Aka Whai Ora underspent by about $66 million in its first financial year. National's Health Spokesman Shane Reti told Mike Hosking that he's surprised how bad things are. He says only Maori staff were transferred over from the old DHBs, instead of picking people who had the skills needed. However, the Government says this isn't true. They say transfers from the old DHB's and Manatu Hauora included transfers of business units and functions like the Maori Health Directorate and some of the Commissioning functions. These business units have both Maori and non-Maori staff.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Shane Reti explains why he'll shut down the Maori Health Authority if National is elected government. Mihingarangi Forbes also speaks to panelists, AUT Dean of Law, Khylee Quince and Te Pati Maori candidate, Takutai Tarsh Kemp.

I'm going to be totally honest and upfront with you about this policy in Auckland where surgeons have been told they need to give Maori and Pacific patients higher priority for treatment. I'm always honest but, on this one, I'm going to tell you how I feel about it - but also admit that I'd probably think differently if it was me or someone close to me affected by a policy like this. On paper, I think it's a great thing. Because, as we know, there's a huge gap when it comes to the health of Maori and Pacific people, compared to everybody else. There's that stat that came through last year when we were talking about COVID that really stuck with me. Which is the health of a 45-year-old Maori person potentially being the same as a 65-year-old non-Maori person. And, when you dig into that, you find that that's put down to the fact that —despite what we might think— non-Maori people get a better deal from the health system. Which, I know, is down to a whole lot of factors. It's not necessarily saying that the door has been closed to Maori and Pacific people when it comes to health. Because there are other factors such as higher smoking rates in the Maori population. Those sorts of things. And, if you really want to go back, there's the view isn't there that Maori have been on the backfoot pretty much since the days of colonisation. And that the health system is way out of touch with Maori culture. Which is why the new Maori Health Authority was established. It wasn't set-up to provide a separate health system. It was set-up to ensure the health system we have better serves the Maori population. By tuning into the culture and trying to make Maori feel less excluded. But, whatever the reasons for it —and there are many— but the fact remains that Maori and Pacific people —generally— are in poorer health than the rest of us. And that's what this policy —that's started in Auckland but is also going to be applied elsewhere— is all about. Better access to surgical treatment for Maori and Pacific people. And, on paper, it sounds brilliant. But here's where I have to be honest with you. Even though I can see the merits of this approach. And I can actually understand why they're doing it, because, if you look at the stats, something's not working. But that's the problem, isn't it? We can all look at the stats and listen to the justification for this approach but –unless you are Maori of Pasifika– there's going to come a point where you (as a non-Maori person, or a non-Pacific person)...there's going to come a point where this policy may impact you personally. And that's where my support for it comes unstuck. Because I can tell you now, that if I needed surgery or someone close to me needed surgery and I was told it wasn't happening or wouldn't be happening for a while because of my ethnicity –then I tell you what, and I'll be honest– I would be really brassed off. Just like if I was Maori or Pasifika and felt that the system over the years had well-and-truly let me down - I'd be brassed off too. Because it has. There's no denying that. Maori and Pacific people have had a raw deal. But, however willing I am to acknowledge that - I have to be honest. I have to look at it as the person I am. I am not Maori. I am not a Pacific person. And I'm not going to lie. If I was unwell enough to need surgery, then I wouldn't want anything else other than my medical condition to determine how soon I got treatment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party is accusing the government of hiding the results of a review of the Maori Health Authority, Te Aka Whai Ora. Health Minister Ayesha Verrall received the report six weeks ago, and says she's still digesting the findings. She won't say exactly when it will be released, and she declined our request for an interview. National's health spokesperson Shane Reti tried to access the report through the Official Information Act, but his request was denied. He spoke to Morning Report.

Chris Hipkins is obviously not a man who's afraid of a challenge, and taking on the role of Prime Minister will be his biggest one yet. Quick refresher here: the last OneNews Kantar poll put Labour 5 points behind National, and still sinking with 33 points. The Nats clawed their way another point higher in the December result to 38, add in Act's 11 and you have 49: enough for a secure majority in the House. The left coalition, Labour and the Greens? 42. But a lot can change over a Christmas holiday, and a lot has. It's going to take more than that though to turn the tide. The advantage Hipkins has is that his party is in office, so it can take direct action and he can do it quickly. But what can he actually do to reduce the impact of inflation? And those crippling mortgage payments more people will be feeling the closer we get to the election? It's all very well to say this is the focus of our attention, it's something else to actually steer things in a different direction. Especially when so many workers say they need a pay rise. He could cut taxes for low income families, but the fact is half the population effectively pays no income tax right now. He could cut GST on food, but that's unaffordable. He could raise benefits again, but that won't fly with those of us who do pay tax. If Hipkins wants to appeal to the hearts and minds of mainstream New Zealand he'd need to unwind Three, Four, Five Waters, dump the Maori Health Authority, income insurance, fix immigration, and come down hard on crime. It's no small ask.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year has seen the beginning of a complete overhaul of the health system, from our hospitals to primary care, and everything in between. Rob Campbell is the chair of Te Whatu Ora / Health New Zealand which was established in July, along with the Maori Health Authority. He is tasked with bringing 20 DHBs together, including 80,000 staff and more than 200,000 staff in funded agencies, with a focus on reducing inequity, while eliminating duplication, waste, and bureaucracy. But the challenges are myriad: chronic staff shortages, burn out, IT systems that don't talk to each other, GPS and primary health care professionals who say the funding system is broken and tens of thousands of patients waiting months for surgery. What has been achieved so far, what is the road ahead and when will we see change?

It's less than a year until the next election and Labour's still got a lot on its legislative agenda this term.

Cancer patients and people with chronic illnesses are being prioritised, in New Zealand's new nationwide health plan. Te Pae Tata is the first nationwide plan made jointly by Te Whatu Ora, and Te Aka Whai Ora - the Maori Health Authority. Health Minister Andrew Little says having the agencies working as equal partners is a "game-changer". It puts into action funding from this year's Budget, increasing health spending by 40 per cent to 24-billion-dollars. The plan prioritises workforce and workplace issues, as well as specific commitments to improve outcomes in maternity and young children, people with cancer, people living with chronic health conditions, and people living with mental distress. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Tax Payer Talk, Peter Wiliams speaks to Des Gorman - Emeritus Professor of Medicine at Auckland University - about a new paper from the New Zealand Initiative which claims that evidence for a separate Maori Health Authority is seriously lacking. Peter then reads your correspondence. If you'd like to comment on anything you've heard on the show Peter is waiting to hear from you at peter@taxpayers.org.nzSupport the show

In this episode of Psych Matters Dr Rees Tapsell, from the Arawa canoe of Ngāti Whakaue descent, describes systemic features affecting Maori mental health, including the impact of the RANZCP's Te Kaunihera committee, imminent changes to the NZ health system which will see a new Maori Health Authority working alongside Health NZ, and the importance of self-determination for First Nation peoples across the world. Dr Andrew Amos hosted the discussion.Dr Rees Tapsell is of Māori, heralding from the Arawa canoe and of Ngāti Whakaue descent. He is the Executive Director of the Midland Regional Forensic Service and the Director of Clinical Services for the Waikato Mental Health and Addictions services at the Waikato District Health Board. He is a clinical lecturer with the department of psychological medicine at the Auckland School of Medicine. Dr Tapsell has served as a General Council member with the Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, as a board member on two HHSs/DHBs, on several small private companies and he served as a psychiatrist Deputy Member on the Mental Health Review Tribunal for 12 years. He has been involved in the development of a number of Māori specific approaches to the provision of mental health care to Māori in both general and forensic services and in both government and NGO settings. Dr Tapsell's particular professional and research interests lie in the governance and leadership of health organisations, the epidemiology of mental disorders, Māori mental health service development, outcome measures in Māori mental health ‘mentally abnormal' offenders and undergraduate and postgraduate education and training.Feedback:If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we'd love to hear from you.Please contact us by email at: psychmatters.feedback@ranzcp.orgDisclaimer:This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australian or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP's Your Health In Mind Website.

Alex chats with ACT's Brooke van Velden about the EU Free Trade Deal and the rise in gun crime in Auckland. Joe speaks to Hon Poto Williams about the launch of the Ministry for the Disabled Trishil talks about the ban on Juul e-cigarettes in the US and interviews Sarah Helm from the New Zealand Drug Foundation about New Zealand vaping culture and whether the ban in the US could affect New Zealand Alex then chats with Ian Powell, the former Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, about the new Maori Health Authority  And there is also Eurovision, Aneeka's weekly catchup with Europe correspondent Cameron Adams

Assurances health services won't be disrupted in the middle of a winter rush as the system restructures.The nation's 20 District Health Boards were officially scrapped today to make way for one centralised agency – Health New Zealand.The Maori Health Authority has also launched, and will be responsible for ensuring the system works well for Tangata Whenua.Meanwhile, hospital emergency departments countrywide report unprecedented demand.Health New Zealand top boss Margie Apa told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's a tough winter and there are a few more months to go.“One of the things I've done is kept some of the current leadership structure for another three to six months so that people who are running frontline services still have the right people supporting them.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A watershed moment in our history... our health sector completely overhauled, with all 20 DHBs replaced by Health NZ and the Maori Health Authority.  There is so much at stake here - we've all heard the stories about the dire state of health in New Zealand right now. But our next guest gives some hope - Rob Campbell, the Chair of Health NZ.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest change to our health system in two decades kick-in today with the establishment of Health New Zealand and the Maori Health Authority. 

A new dawn for New Zealand's heath sector.The country's 20 DHBs have been officially disestablished to make way for the Health NZ juggernaut and the Maori Health Authority.After years of debate and reports, the new Health NZ agency has launched with Health Minister Andrew Little promising a new way of tackling health issues in New Zealand.Along side the new agency is the Māori Health Authority responsible for ensuring the health system provides more equitable outcomes for MāoriA Ministry for Disabled People also comes into force today.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I want to know what brand of coffee Dr Shane Reti was drinking before he spoke to Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB this morning. Because, whatever it was, the National Party's health spokesperson came out firing like never before. And he was brilliant.Initially, he was talking about the health boards warning the Government 12 months ago that they were facing significant problems because of staff shortages.As it's been reported, all the boards wrote a letter to the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (or MBIE) saying that when the borders re-open (as they have done since), the system is going to struggle with an increase in demand for services.They also talked about the need to get more doctors and nurses in from overseas ASAP.Shane Reti said this morning the letter didn't just go to MBIE, it also went to the Ministry of Health. Which is a key point because Health Minister Andrew Little has been saying he didn't know about the letter until last month.He's got no voice today because he's crook. So, once he's got the voice back, it will be interesting to hear what he does have to say.But as Shane Reti said this morning, the Health Ministry and the Government were warned, did nothing and now we're seeing the consequences.But he didn't stop there, and he moved on to the health reforms which kick-in the day after tomorrow (Friday), with all the health boards around the country disappearing and the new Health NZ and Maori Health Authority taking over.Like Shane Reti, I've never been able to understand why the Government thinks pressing on with reforming the health system when we're still dealing with a pandemic, is a good idea. My confusion about its enthusiasm is even greater, now that we're dealing with this flu situation which is seeing people drop like flies all over the place.Things have got so bad, in fact, that we've seen after-hours medical centres closing the doors because they can't cope with the demand.But despite all this - hospitals over-run, after hours medical centres over-run - the Government still thinks it's a good time to press on with the biggest health reforms in 20 years. It's nuts.But, as Shane Reti said this morning, the Government is driven by ideology and, when that happens, balls get dropped and the focus goes on project planning, team meetings, Gantt charts, consultants - not on what the health system is actually there for.As he put it, when you're re-structuring health the way the Government is, the re-structuring is where the money goes (and we saw that in this year's Budget). It's where the attention goes, and anything else pretty much becomes an inconvenience.I've seen this happen myself. Like many people, I've worked in the public service and I have always been dismayed at how the focus of government organisations gets lost when there's a big project on-the-go.People working at these places start referring to the organisation as “the business”. And they get all excited and drink the Kool Aid and bang on about how much better things are going to be because they're doing God's work. But, from my experience, these project people couldn't be more removed from the purpose of the outfits they work for if they tried.And that's how I feel about these health reforms. There's been a series running on One News over the last few nights looking at the reforms - and you can see how the people running these new health entities have signed up to the ideology.I suppose they have to be, because they're the ones who have to lead their people into the brave new world. But whenever I hear all that ra-ra, it just leaves me cold.Because all the talk, the whiteboards, strategy meetings, planning sessions, project managers and change managers count for nothing when your surgery's being cancelled and when you're waiting six-hours to see someone at the after-hours (if it's still open that is, and hasn't had to shut the doors because it can't cope with the demand).There will never be a perfect t...

The country's health system is getting a huge overhaul this week. On Friday, district health boards disappear and Health NZ and the Maori Health Authority take over. A key part of the new system will be so-called locality networks - a way for districts to spell out what services they need. Wairoa, where Maori make up 70 per cent of the population is part of a pilot scheme figuring out how it will all work. RNZ's Hawke's Bay reporter Tom Kitchin investigates.

Huge changes are being made to the country's health system this week. On Friday, district health boards disappear and Health NZ and the Maori Health Authority take over. Wairoa, in Hawke's Bay is one of the new locality pilots. The localities are a way for districts to tell the Government what they need. Our Hawke's Bay reporter Tom Kitchin spoke to the Wairoa District Council chief executive Kitea Tipuna who is part of a local working group on the reforms.

Questions to Ministers CHRISTOPHER LUXON to the Acting Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? NAISI CHEN to the Minister of Research, Science and Innovation: What action is the Government taking to accelerate innovation in New Zealand businesses? DAVID SEYMOUR to the Minister of Finance: Is he comfortable with New Zealand's economic performance in comparison with Australia's since this Government took office? SARAH PALLETT to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How is the Government supporting beneficiary sole parents through Budget 2022? NICOLA WILLIS to the Minister of Finance: Is he concerned to see ANZ's Business Outlook survey showing business confidence at its lowest since April 2020, and does he agree with the BNZ that "the economy's wheels are beginning to fall off"? GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister of Justice: How has Budget 2022 strengthened New Zealand's legal aid scheme? Dr SHANE RETI to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by all of his statements and actions? Hon EUGENIE SAGE to the Minister for the Environment: Is dilution the solution to agricultural nitrate pollution, or is there a need to reduce nitrate leaching into groundwater in regions such as Canterbury to reduce risks to drinking water and freshwater from farmed areas? TAMATI COFFEY to the Minister of Transport: What action is the Government taking to regenerate New Zealand's coastal shipping sector? Hon MARK MITCHELL to the Minister of Police: Why are firearms prohibition orders still not in place despite Police recommending them in October 2017? CAMILLA BELICH to the Associate Minister of Health: How will Budget 2022 help strengthen eating disorder services? RAWIRI WAITITI to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement that "If we're going to have a Maori Health Authority, I'm determined that it genuinely has the authority to really make a difference for Maori"; if not, why not?

The Finance Minister is preparing to unveil a significant Māori health spend in this years Budget and not just cashing up the Maori Health Authority. It’s expected to be in excess of a billion dollars. Labour’s Maori caucus is chalking it up as a win, so what does former Mana Party leader Hone Harawira think?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Thursday Wire, Tuva'a talks to Andrew Little in his weekly chat with the Health Minister about Dr. Shane Reti's comments on disease vaccines expiring, and about National and ACT looking at getting rid of the Maori Health Authority.  Emilia covers worker burnout with Professor Jarrod Haar from AUT, Syrian Widow Camps with World Vision, and the NZ Needle Exchange program. And Joe speaks to Sport NZ about the lack of exercise from New Zealanders over the pandemic, and Lisa Te Morenga, Associate Professor in Nutrition and Maori Health at Massey University, as well as the Acting Chair Health Coalition Aotearoa, about the rising prices in healthy foods.  That's us from the Thursday Wire!

On Te Waonui this week, NGO's throw their support behind the Maori Health Authority and urge the opposition to rethink, Kura Kaupapa argue their case in the Waitangi Tribunal and Matariki officially becomes a public holiday.

Both National and ACT have dimissed an open letter from the Cancer Society, urging them to rethink their opposition to the Maori Health Authority. The Cancer Society - along with more than a dozen other NGOs - have penned an open letter expressing it's support for the dedicated agency. It asks the opposition parties to reconsider their position but the move has only hardened their resolves. Our political reporter Anneke Smith has more.

Questions to Ministers CHRISTOPHER LUXON to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all of her Government's statements and actions? BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy? Hon SIMON BRIDGES to the Minister of Finance: Does he agree that New Zealand's cost of living crisis is wider than simply an energy crisis; if not, why? ANGIE WARREN-CLARK to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What action is she taking to give New Zealanders confidence that they will receive the full benefit of the Government's 25 cent reduction in fuel excise duty and road-user charges announced yesterday? DAVID SEYMOUR to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her Government's statements and actions? MARJA LUBECK to the Minister of Education: What response has he seen to Government initiatives to support training and apprenticeships? RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH to the Minister of Transport: What steps, if any, will he take to ensure people have access to free, frequent, and accessible public transport? RACHEL BROOKING to the Minister for the Environment: What steps is the Government taking to improve recycling in New Zealand? SIMEON BROWN to the Minister of Transport: Does he have confidence taxpayers are getting value for money with Government transport spending; if so, why? ARENA WILLIAMS to the Associate Minister of Health (Maori Health): What recent announcement has he made regarding the interim Maori Health Authority? SIMON WATTS to the Minister of Local Government: Does she stand by her statement on the Three Waters reform that "There are two areas of the Three Waters reform programme that I underestimated, and I acknowledge that's my responsibility", and is she confident it is only two areas she underestimated? SHANAN HALBERT to the Minister of Transport: What recent steps has the Government taken to support New Zealanders to use public transport in response to the global energy shock?

A new report-card into the wellbeing of New Zealanders finds a concerningly large minority of people and communities with persistently poor wellbeing. The report by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is the first of its kind. It finds that while most communities in Aotearoa tend to experience good wellbeing most of the time, a number of groups do not including young people, veterans, rainbow communities, Maori and Pacific peoples, rural communities and the disabled. Kathryn speaks with Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Board Chair, Hayden Wano and chair of the Commission's Expert Advisory Group, Sharon Shea, who is also the co-chair of the Maori Health Authority.

A new report-card into the wellbeing of New Zealanders finds a concerningly large minority of people and communities with persistently poor wellbeing. The report by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is the first of its kind. It finds that while most communities in Aotearoa tend to experience good wellbeing most of the time, a number of groups do not including young people, veterans, rainbow communities, Maori and Pacific peoples, rural communities and the disabled. Kathryn speaks with Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Board Chair, Hayden Wano and chair of the Commission's Expert Advisory Group, Sharon Shea, who is also the co-chair of the Maori Health Authority.

I'm not one to blow my own trumpet, but sometimes someone has to step up to plate and so I am.Exactly one week ago, the last time I was on Newstalk ZB, I predicted a boring budget with the only big item, an increase in benefits.Other than that I said that it would be business as usual.And that's exactly what transpired. A boring Labour lite budget for beneficiaries sprinkled with a little honey for rail.As an aside, considering its desire to be perceived as the wellness Government there was a pathetic increase to the Pharmac budget.After four years on the Treasury benches, the transformative Government has transformed nothing at all. With the exception of a new tax rate for the wealthy that will raise half a billion and a regional road tax that raises a couple of hundred million there has been little or no change to the macro settings that have been in place for over a decade now.The most galling for me was the 1.9 billion promised to mental health in the first Wellbeing budget which 2 years later remains unspent while all along the nation's mental health statistics worsen exponentially.Nothing is really going down at all with this lot other than managing day-to-day crises wrought by nature.So it amazes me when so many seemingly rational opponents of the Government start imagining all sorts of backroom doomsday scenarios where this Government is secretly plotting to completely overhaul this country's constitutional arrangements without any heed to the democratic process.It seems rich to hear the opposition claiming that this Government is useless and then claiming they are capable of the greatest constitutional revolution since the signing of the Treaty itself. All in secret. Come on.The hysteria over the He Puapua report is very disappointing and confusing. It is nothing more than the musings of half a dozen people who were asked to look at ways we could comply with the UN's Declaration of Indigenous People's Rights which, by the way, the National-led Government signed us up to in 2010. Maybe Judith forgot that.When presented to the Government it was promptly ignored. There were other things on. Like a pandemic. And many of the ideas are preposterous and politically impossible to get through like a separate Maori House of Parliament.Some of the ideas like a Maori Health Authority were canvased and might come to pass. I'm not a fan because medicine is a science and not beholden to culture.But Judith seems to have forgotten that it was National that instituted Te Wananga O Aotearoa, which now has 80 campuses through New Zealand. A Maori-led tertiary organisation grounded in Maori values. They also promoted charter schools for Maori. Yet no one screamed separatism at Sir John Key.He Pua pua needs to be debated. That's why we asked some big brains to have a think about it in the first place. But it's nothing more than a think piece and to imagine it might be secretly enacted is to be completely ignorant of the processes of democracy in this country.Is it constitutional revolution by stealth? Stop reading fantasy novels.Was Judith wrong to bring it to light? No. But she was wrong to create racially-based panic on such a flimsy pretext.We have become far too open to conspiracy theories and fake news and imaginary scenarios.If you don't believe me read Sir John Key's weekend interview about vax deniers. When the great Common Sense politician of our time starts seeing his fellow New Zealanders losing their rag over nothing you might start thinking we're in trouble.

Joining us on this special Mother's Day edition of the Weekend Panel today are Ali Jones and Brigitte Morten. Among other issues, they'll be discussing Speaker Trevor Mallard's conduct and calls for him to resign, Mother's Day, the new Maori Health Authority and what our panelists' favourite television sitcoms of all time are.

Joining us on this special Mother's Day edition of the Weekend Panel today are Ali Jones and Brigitte Morten. Among other issues, they'll be discussing Speaker Trevor Mallard's conduct and calls for him to resign, Mother's Day, the new Maori Health Authority and what our panelists' favourite television sitcoms of all time are.

In this episode we share what might be a kupu hou for some: Paschal. We discuss the disestablishment of the various Health Boards around Aotearoa and the establishment of a Maori Health Authority, and we finish off with fun segment sharing who we would like as our patron saint!

Neale Jones and Brigitte Morten talk to Kathryn about the key recommendations in National review document, and leader Judith Collins' 'racist separatism' comments following the health reform announcement that includes a new Maori Health Authority. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations. Brigitte Morten is a senior consultant with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government.

Neale Jones and Brigitte Morten talk to Kathryn about the key recommendations in National review document, and leader Judith Collins' 'racist separatism' comments following the health reform announcement that includes a new Maori Health Authority. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations. Brigitte Morten is a senior consultant with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government.

Neale Jones and Brigitte Morten talk to Kathryn about the key recommendations in National review document, and leader Judith Collins' 'racist separatism' comments following the health reform announcement that includes a new Maori Health Authority. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations. Brigitte Morten is a senior consultant with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government.

It's been a big week.The Trans-Tasman Bubble opened on Monday with plenty of interpretative dance and celebration, and by the end of the week traffic was halted between Western Australia and New Zealand as Perth went into a three-day lockdown.This week also saw new restrictions on travellers from India, Brazil, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea, and border exceptions changes were announced which will hopefully see more migrant families reunited.On top of that there was a bilateral meeting between New Zealand and Australian Foreign Affairs Ministers - in person - which led to the debate over how and when New Zealand should criticise China for its human rights record.Then there's the health system reform.A month ago, off the back of challenges hospital emergency departments are facing across the country, I spoke about Minister Andrew Little's major redesign of the health system and the importance of getting it right.While the public, and most certainly those in the health sector, felt a significant change coming I don't think anyone anticipated the ambition of this week's announcement.I'm impressed. What a ballsy, radical and necessary move by the Minister of Health.  The national health organisation Health New Zealand will replace all 20 DHB's, it will run hospitals, commission primary and community health services, and 4 regional divisions will give a local voice to the organisation. The formation of a Maori Health Authority will take care of Maori Health and commission services for that purpose, and a Public Health Agency will be responsible for public health issues.Implementing what has been proposed will be a massive task and one in which the devil will be in the detail; and we don't have that detail yet.We all want a fairer system, to reduce the postcode lottery of health care, to have complimentary systems working across regions to help with a transient population and avoid duplication, to improve the outcomes for cancer and heart disease and many other diseases where we know we can do better.It's been good to hear positive feedback from clinicians – those at the forefront of health care in NZ.But there are still concerns and many questions still to be answered. Such as rural health and the availability of GPs in provincial and rural areas. No one should be waiting for a month to see a GP - so will people need to travel further for care or is there a plan to increase GPs? I've heard some say this new national system will be run like Pharmac. Does this mean there's a possibility some less common services may not be offered?And how do we ramp up in-demand services to cater to all those who need it? If a service is not available in your area presumably you will be able to travel to access that service elsewhere – but many of our current health care services are already at capacity.One thing probably hasn't changed, and that's the budget. There is a limit on the amount of money that can be put into health - that's just reality. So in order for this to work, we need to get better bang for our buck. If Minister Little achieves this, and outcomes for Maori improve, this week has been a big step in the right direction.

There are hopes the new Maori Health Authority will have spillover benefits for New Zealand's Pacific people;The Marshall Islands and New Zealand have been given front-row seats at upcoming US Leaders Summit on Climate Change; Tonga National Rugby League expelled from global governing body. [image_crop:117356:full]

There are hopes the new Maori Health Authority will have spillover benefits for New Zealand's Pacific people. The New Zealand government has announced a radical shake-up of its health system, replacing its regional services with one new body to look after the whole country. Pacific health expert Dr Colin Tukuitonga has mixed feelings about the new entity.

Sweeping reforms to the health system have been unveiled by the Government. All District Health Boards will be replaced by one national health organisation, Health New Zealand.A new Maori Health Authority will have the power to commission health services, monitor the state of Maori health and develop policy.A new Public Health Agency will be created.Health Minister Andrew Little says the reforms mean for the first time, we'll have a truly national health system.He says the kind of treatment people will get, will no longer be determined by where they live.Meanwhile, Nanaia Mahuta's speech to the New Zealand - China Council continues to prompt reaction overseas.She said that we can't put all our trade eggs in one basket, and also criticised the growing Chinese influence in the Pacific.Afterwards she told reporters she's not comfortable with the Five Eyes intelligence alliance expanding its remit, to joint positions on foreign policy.Canterbury University chinese politics specialist professor Anne Marie Brady says the Chinese media aren't mentioning the speech - only the Five Eyes statement.Meanwhile, Daily Telegraph's defence editor Con Coughlin has written that Jacinda Ardern has a preference for "cosying up to China's communist rulers".He refers to Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand's "tiresomely woke Prime Minister".Listen above as David Farrar and Shane Te Pou discuss the day's news with Heather du Plessis-Allan on The Huddle

A Canterbury DHB board member fears clinicians will become more like civil servants under the new health care system.All District Health Boards will be replaced by one national health organisation, Health New Zealand.A new Maori Health Authority will have the power to commission health services, monitor the state of Maori health and develop policy.A new Public Health Agency will be created.Health Minister Andrew Little says the reforms mean for the first time, we'll have a truly national health system.He says the kind of treatment people will get, will no longer be determined by where they live.However, CDHB's Jo Kane told Heather du Plessis-Allan she's wary of the overhaul."I'm just feeling a bit suspicious. The Code of Conduct gags people from talking about it, so become a political servant in a way, not able to speak out, and I think Boards of Directors have a duty and a directive to speak out." LISTEN ABOVE

In the most radical shake up of the health system in decades, the country's 20 District Health Boards are being scrapped. The Health Minister Andrew Little has announced details to health leaders in parliament this morning. A single new body, Health NZ will replaced the DHBs which run services for individual areas around the country.  A new Maori Health Authority is to be established, to policies for Maori health and to decide on and fund those who will deliver services.The country's 30 primary health organisations, large regional networks of GPs and primary care, will also be disbanded. RNZ Health correspondent Rowan Quinn outlines the major changes.

In the most radical shake up of the health system in decades, the country's 20 District Health Boards are being scrapped. The Health Minister Andrew Little has announced details to health leaders in parliament this morning. A single new body, Health NZ will replaced the DHBs which run services for individual areas around the country.  A new Maori Health Authority is to be established, to policies for Maori health and to decide on and fund those who will deliver services.The country's 30 primary health organisations, large regional networks of GPs and primary care, will also be disbanded. RNZ Health correspondent Rowan Quinn outlines the major changes.

Power pair Tova O'Brien and Mihingarangi Forbes host a blockbuster exploration of the nation's health services. Associate Health Minister (Maori Health) Peeni Henare joins Mihi to talk vaccinations, mental health - and how much power we'll give the new Maori Health Authority. Fresh from the front lines of public health herself, she was catapulted into Cabinet, where she's in charge of much of women's health. Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall is live with Tova. And a special report: If you want to have a child by surrogate in NZ, you'll have to navigate 66-year-old laws. Simon Shepherd follows the twists and turns of one baby's journey. And a crack team of political commentators share their analysis - Dr Rhys Jones, senior lecturer in indigenous health, High Court barrister and solicitor Brigitte Morten and Chair of the National Urban Maori Authority, Lady Tureiti Moxon. Newshub Nation on TV3, 9.30am Saturday, 11am Sunday.  Proudly brought to you by New Zealand on Air's Platinum Fund. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.