Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health) Peeni Henare says Māori Health Services will offer greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support through Budget 2023’s $132 million investment.
The Minister said funding for primary care teams will result in an additional 193 clinical staff in communities, supporting and complementing the work of GP’s and nurses
“These new staff, who will start to be in place from 1 July this year, will mean whānau will be better able to get health advice when and where they need it,” he said.
“Some of this new investment is in kaiawhina who can provide whānau with advice on how best to get the health care needed. Kaiāwhina are trusted in their communities and help Māori and Pacific whānau navigate the health system and access the supports they need.”
Mr Henare said communities will also see more prevention work for longer term conditions, HIV and cancer.
“There is more support for Kahu Taurima, which provides maternity care, and Oranga Hinengaro which is a mental health and wellbeing programme for Māori. Funding will also go towards improving Maōri health data, more rongoā services and workforce development.”
“Te Aka Whai Ora was set up to put hauora Maōri at the centre and make health outcomes for Maōri a priority. These are by Māori for Māori solutions to ensure the groups we’ve identified as needing more support through the health system will be getting the help they need.
“This years’ hauora funding of $132 million will continue to support the investment in Maōri health providers to strengthen and grow te ao Māori health services, embed mātauranga Maōri approaches, and work with iwi-Māori partnership boards to improve Māori health outcomes,” the Minister said.
