New Chair Calls for Action on Māori Health Inequities
Published
Sharon Shea has been appointed as the permanent chair of the National Hauora Coalition, a major group that represents Māori health providers across New Zealand. The announcement was reported by Te Ao Māori News, which said that Ms Shea will lead the organisation in its work to improve health outcomes for Māori people.
In her first comments after the appointment, Ms Shea asked the incoming government to see Te Tiriti o Waitangi as an opportunity to tackle health inequities for Māori. Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the country's founding treaty between the Crown and Māori, is often discussed in debates about public services, including health. Ms Shea believes that working closely with Māori can help the government deliver better health care for all.
Health inequities, or differences in health outcomes between Māori and non-Māori, have been a long-standing concern in New Zealand. Many Māori communities face higher rates of some illnesses and have less access to certain services than other groups. Organisations like the National Hauora Coalition work to close these gaps by supporting community-based health providers.
Ms Shea's appointment comes at a time when a new government is preparing to take office. Her call for partnership suggests that the coalition will be keen to take part in discussions about future health policy. Further details about the coalition's plans have not yet been released.
Sources: Te Ao Māori News
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