12913 (2026). Hon Willie Jackson to the Minister of Health

12913 (2026). Hon Willie Jackson to the Minister of Health: Does he agree with the Ministry of Health statement that "The Ministry of Health’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi framework recognises Treaty obligations as a foundation for achieving Māori health aspirations and equity for Māori" and if so, what obligations is he prioritising to turn around poor Maori health outcomes?

Hon Simeon Brown: My priority is to ensure all New Zealanders have access to timely and quality healthcare. I have set a clear direction for a health system that delivers timely, high-quality care to all New Zealanders on the basis of need. Improving Māori health outcomes requires targeted and tailored action where evidence shows Māori experience poorer access or outcomes. This direction is being advanced through the Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Bill. These changes are focused on lifting system performance against the Government’s health targets for all New Zealanders, including Māori, and strengthening accountability for results. This includes clarifying roles across the system, strengthening monitoring arrangements, and supporting effective, community‑led Māori health services.