Photo: Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board Co-chair Hagen Tautari
Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board (IMPB) has voiced concern over the government’s proposed changes to the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, which would reduce the board’s decision-making authority to a purely consultative role.
Co-chair Hagen Tautari says this move weakens the intent of Pae Ora and undermines the Crown’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. “Te Tiriti is a constitutional foundation. Partnership must be upheld in law and practice—not just policy,” he said.
While critical of the proposed reforms, IMPB supports Minister Simeon Brown’s focus on patient-centred care and timely, quality health services. In a formal response, IMPB offered constructive solutions and reaffirmed support for better national oversight—so long as reforms are properly resourced and protect the community-based leadership role of IMPBs.
Tautari warns against centralising decision-making in Wellington, which could reverse hard-won gains in Māori health equity. “The voices of whānau are strongest at the local level—where services are delivered and gaps identified. True equity means enabling local solutions,” he said.