Nau mai e rere te kupu kōrero, kawea atu te aroha ki te iwi mō te kaupapa, mō Te Aka Whai Ora, e karanga nei.  He pupūnga ake nō roto i te whatumanawa, he pūāwaitanga nō roto i te moemoeā, he kākano kua ruia.  Tēnā, ruia, tahia, e te iwi e, tēnā rā koutou katoa.

Today, the Minister of Health announced next steps for Te Aka Whai Ora - Māori Health Authority and Māori health, and the transition of key functions and staff into Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, and Manatū Hauora - Ministry of Health. 

Te Aka Whai Ora Chair Tipa Mahuta says she has full confidence that the mission to improve Māori health outcomes will endure.

"Te Aka Whai Ora originated from the self-determination of whānau, hapū and iwi, and the advocacy of rangatira and Māori leaders from across the motu,” says Tipa.  

“We are now working closely with the government and health agencies to ensure the disestablishment process is a smooth transition that respects the needs of staff, minimises any impact on hauora Māori partners and maintains clear pathways for the mahi that is already underway.” 

Chief Executive Riana Manuel expressed her thanks for the contributions made to uplift the voices of whānau, iwi and communities. 

“For our staff, I want to acknowledge the dedication, commitment, and the significant contributions from our kaimahi to improve the wellbeing of whānau,” says Riana. 

“For our hauora Māori partners, I know you’ll remain steadfast in your commitment to providing quality care to whānau, regardless of the changes ahead, and you’ll continue to deliver outstanding services for our communities.” 

Work to transition our kaimahi is expected to be completed by 31 March, and the organisation will be officially disestablished by 30 June 2024.     

“On behalf of the Board and Executive Leadership Team of Te Aka Whai Ora, we appreciate your patience and commitment as we navigate through this process,” says Tipa. 

“We also look forward to appropriately acknowledging and expressing our gratitude and celebrating our achievements with staff, our communities and supporters who have been part of our journey thus far."

More information is available here