31 January 2025
Andy Langley
By email: [FYI request #29381 email]
Dear Andy
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) on 6 December
2024 for information regarding the Government’s commitment to partnering with iwi and
Māori communities. Your request was received as a transfer from the Office of the Prime
Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon. You requested:
“Whenever you are asked about the disestablishment of the Māori health authority,
you say that the government preference is to partner with local iwi and Māori groups.
1. The example that you always give is the immunisation of under two year olds
which sounds awesome so I would like to know all the other examples of this
approach that the government have taken since coming to office.”
On 6 December 2024, you were notified that item 1 of your request had been transferred to
Hon Dr Shane Reti for response under section 14 of the Act. As the health portfolio now
falls under the responsibility of Hon Simeon Brown, a response to this item of your request
is set out below from our office.
The Government’s priority is on ensuring that all New Zealanders have access to timely,
quality healthcare. As part of this, the Government has invested more in health services than
ever before – an additional $16.68 billion – and the Health Minister’s expectation is that
those services are delivered based on clinical need. Kiwis rightfully expect to see their
doctor, or attend emergency departments, without long waits and get the surgeries they
need as quickly as possible. The focus of the Government is on ensuring that those
expectations are met and delivered upon for all New Zealanders.
The Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Health 2024-27, which was released by Hon
Shane Reti in June 2024, signals a shift in decision-making closer to communities, enabling
local leadership, collaboration, and innovation to meet the health needs of all New
Zealanders, including Māori. Health agencies, including Health New Zealand, are required to
give effect to the GPS on Health.
If you are not happy with this response, you have the right to make a complaint to the
Ombudsman. Information about how to do this is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or by phoning 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Brian Anderton
Senior Ministerial Advisor
