Photo: Te Manawa Taki IMPB collective member, Te Taura Ora o Waiariki Chair Hingatu Thompson
RNZ reports about the unified stance of all 15 Iwi Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs) coming together in Taranaki for a two-day National Hui, expressing concern that proposed changes to the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act would diminish their role in New Zealand’s health system. Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board shares this opposition, highlighting that local, iwi-led decision-making and accountability are essential to improving Māori health outcomes.
Leaders at the hui said that the proposed amendments risk silencing Māori voices, removing direct iwi oversight, and limiting the ability to deliver whānau-centred health solutions. IMPBs were established under Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles to ensure Māori engagement with the Crown, guide local health strategies, and address systemic inequities such as lower life expectancy and poorer outcomes for Māori.
The hui highlighted concerns over four key areas: maintaining Te Tiriti protections in legislation, ensuring the Hauora Māori Advisory Committee is accountable to iwi, retaining a Māori health strategy, and preserving the critical role of IMPBs in regional health planning. Te Tiratū reinforced that strong local partnerships and culturally responsive approaches are vital to achieving equity and improving Māori health.