Formation | 1 July 2022 |
---|---|
Dissolved | 30 June 2024 |
Website | https://www.teakawhaiora.nz/ |
Te Aka Whai Ora (English: Māori Health Authority (MHA)) was an independent New Zealand government statutory entity tasked with managing Māori health policies, services, and outcomes.[1][2] The agency was one of four national bodies that oversaw New Zealand's health system since 2022, along with the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Agency, and Te Whatu Ora. They replaced a system in which a single Ministry funded services through 20 district health boards (DHBs).[3]
Riana Manuel was appointed to be the first Chief Executive, which has been a permanent agency since 1 July 2022.[4]
In late November 2023, the incoming National-led coalition government announced plans to abolish Te Aka Whai Ora and return to a single integrated health system. The Government's plans to abolish the agency drew criticism from health professionals and Māori leaders.[5] In mid December 2023, Lady Tureiti Moxon and Janice Kuka filed a claim with the Waitangi Tribunal challenging the Government's dissolution plans.[6] In late February 2024, the Government passed urgent legislation disestablishing the Māori Health Authority by 30 June 2024.[7]