Kaitiaki Hauora is calling for Te Tiriti o Waitangi to be honoured by empowering Iwi Māori Partnership Boards to lead decisions about health services for their communities.
The national alliance launched in January has brought together patients, health workers, Māori health representatives, unions, advocacy organisations, youth voices, and community groups who share a commitment to protecting and strengthening publicly funded healthcare in Aotearoa.
It is calling for:
- A major boost to funding to meet the real health needs of our population.
- Protecting and strengthening publicly funded and provided healthcare, rather than outsourcing it to private interests.
- Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi by devolving decision-making authority and funding to Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards, enabling them to meet the needs and aspirations of their people.
Since launching earlier this year, the Kaitiaki Hauora alliance has grown quickly.
More than 570 people have signed up to support its campaign, and 26 organisations have formally joined the alliance, reflecting strong public support for protecting publicly funded healthcare.
The group has been active in the national conversation about hauora as we experience a critical time for healthcare and the future of the public health system in Aotearoa.
Decisions made by government and Parliament will influence how healthcare is funded, delivered and governed including the role of Māori leadership in shaping services.
For Iwi Māori Partnership Boards, ensuring that Māori voices remain strong in these conversations is essential to achieving equitable health outcomes for whānau.
Kaitiaki Hauora spokespeople include Iwi Māori Partnership Board representation from Chair, Louisa Wall of Tūwharetoa and General Practitioner and Chief Medical Officer of Tūwharetoa Iwi Māori Partnership Board Dr Rawiri Jansen.
Kaitiaki Hauora believes the future of public healthcare will depend on communities working together to protect the system and ensure it reflects the values of fairness, partnership and care for all.
Whānau and organisations in hauora are being encouraged to learn more about the alliance across the motu and how they can support the kaupapa.
Together, the message is clear around kaitiakitanga and kotahitanga. Strong public healthcare and strong Māori leadership must go hand in hand.
