July 03, 2020
Transformation better than change as Henare eyes missed chance
Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare may have been passed over for the top job “ for now “ but he’s determined to carve out more space for Māori in the sector.
Education Minister Chris Hipkins was tapped to run the portfolio until the election, after the resignation yesterday of David Clark because of COVID-related complications.
Mr Henare says the next Government will have to grapple with the Heather Simpson-led review of Health and Disability Services, which included a recommendation for a Māori health authority.
He says his talks yesterday with WAI 2575 health claimants, the National Hauora Coalition and Dame Tariana Turia highlighted the need for mana motuhake in health.
"I'm committed to health, I make no secret about that. We've got all the statistics for Māori, We know what they are and we need something in there that is really going to transform it for our people and if I can paraphrase the words of whaea Tari yesterday: A change is good. Transformation is better," Mr Henare says.
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