9521 (2024). Hon Peeni Henare to the Minister of Health

9521 (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, direction has he given to health officials to return those Te Aka Whai Ora staff to their initial home?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: Yes. I approved 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. All remaining positions at the Māori health Authority were transferred to Health New Zealand using the same mechanism. Consolidation of policy and monitoring functions will allow the Ministry of Health to focus on improving outcomes, without needing to coordinate across multiple agencies. Consolidation within Health New Zealand of operational functions including responsibility for design and delivery of the health system for the whole population will ensure the full range of perspectives can be considered in developing effective services that respond to the needs of the people who use them.