The Māori Health Authority was established to provide Māori people with greater control over their health outcomes and the prioritization of health services. However, the ACT party in the New Zealand government has announced its intention to abolish this separate health authority, arguing that the Māori Health Authority experiment has been disastrous and has caused division and resentment among New Zealanders.
This development has attracted attention to long-standing disparities in Māori health outcomes. Multiple studies have shown that Māori people are disproportionately affected by adverse health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and cancer. These disparities have led to calls for specialized health services to address the specific needs of Māori communities.
The decision to repeal the Māori Health Authority has generated significant debate and controversy. Critics argue that the focus on hiring based on race and the allocation of funding based on racial identity has detracted from the principle of equitable and needs-based healthcare. These critics emphasize the importance of tailoring healthcare services to the individual needs of all New Zealanders, regardless of racial background.
As part of its policy agenda, the government aims to introduce legislation to abolish the Māori Health Authority in 2024. This initiative is one of the 49 policy actions outlined in the government’s 100-day plan, which focuses on rebuilding the economy, addressing the cost of living, enhancing law and order, and improving public services.