Keeping Māori Voice at the Heart of Hauora

On Wednesday, 10 September our Director of Health, Michael Rongo, supported by Pou Rautaki Carra Hamon, delivered Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Ora Toa PHO’s submission to the Health Select Committee on the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Amendment Bill.

We strongly opposed the proposed amendments that:

• Weaken Te Tīriti o Waitangi obligations

• Remove the health sector principles

• Diminish the role of Iwi Māori Partnership Boards

Michael reaffirmed our support for the original provisions of the Pae Ora Act 2022, which embed equity, accountability, and iwi partnership at the heart of the health system.

He emphasised our commitment to improving hauora outcomes for our people and the wider community, urging the committee to uphold the intent of the Act so Māori voices remain central in health system transformation.

Ora Toa were in strong company that morning, with Lady Tureiti Moxon presenting her submission earlier, as well as the Te Kāhui Hauora Māori PHO Collective, of which Ora Toa is also a part of.

Last week, Āti Awa Toa Partnership Board Chair, Hikitia Ropata, also spoke against the proposed Bill.

To read the full submission click here. To view the oral submission presentation click here.