9514 (2024). Hon Peeni Henare to the Minister of Health

9514 (2024). Hon Peeni Henare to the Minister of Health: Does the Minister stand by his statement about Te Aka Whai Ora staff “there was some concerns that Māori with skills were taken from Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority and those from Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health, leaving them somewhat eviscerated for those skills. So when I use "repatriation", it is to return them to what was their initial home," and if so, as of 1 May, 2024, what, if any, correspondence has the Minister had with Health officials regarding retaining those Te Aka Whai Ora Staff amongst the 6.5% cuts to Ministry of Health?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: Yes. I have had a range of verbal and written communications with a variety of sources regarding Māori Health Authority staff. Correspondence I have received and sent is not categorised by topic. Accordingly, the information requested is not available in an easily reportable format. The Director-General of Health is responsible for organisational changes at the Ministry of Health. I am advised that 13 positions were transferred from the Māori Health Authority to the Ministry of Health in early April 2024, consistent with the Health Sector (Transfers) Act 1993. These positions were included within the existing Māori Health Directorate functions Māori health strategy, policy and monitoring. I am further advised that the Ministry of Health has not made any organisational change proposals affecting any of the positions transferred at this time.