Latest news with #LetterofExpectations
NZ Herald
16-06-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Health NZ told to give private hospitals 10-year outsourcing contracts
RNZ Health NZ has been directed to give private hospitals 10-year outsourcing contracts to perform elective surgeries. Health Minister Simeon Brown made the request in his Letter of Expectations to Health New Zealand's Commissioner Lester Levy, which was sent in March, but
RNZ News
29-04-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Pharmac's move to drop Māori Directorate slammed by union as 'another breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi'
Pharmac acting chief executive Brendan Boyle said the agency was working through an internal process to create a Māori engagement model that was more comprehensive, sustainable and effective. Photo: A Pharmac proposal to disestablish its specialist Māori advisory team is an abandonment of Pharmac's commitment to Māori health, the Public Service Association (PSA) says. The proposal to disestablish the Māori Directorate was announced to staff on Monday, and would see a net loss of three roles, including those responsible for supporting an anti-racism research programme, the PSA said. Pharmac acting chief executive Brendan Boyle said the agency was working through an internal process to create a Māori engagement model that was more comprehensive, sustainable and effective. "This is part of a bigger work programme to make the organisation more outward-focused and responsive to the health needs of all New Zealanders. No decisions have been made at this stage." Janice Panoho, Kaihautū Māori for the PSA, said the proposal was a result of the government's Letter of Expectations to Pharmac instructing it to stop embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in its funding decisions . "This is an abandonment of Pharmac's commitment to the health of Māori and another breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi," she said. It follows Pharmac's decision late last year to disestablish its in-house Māori Advisory Group , Te Rōpū, made up of medical specialists including doctors, pharmacists and researchers. The roles responsible for supporting the work of the now-defunct group were among those considered to be axed under the latest proposal. "This latest proposal flies in the face of Pharmac's statutory obligation to consider equity and address racism in access to medicines - this change will further diminish the voice of Māori in Pharmac's funding decisions," Panoho said. Across the public service, the government was overriding its legal obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and washing its hands of the partnership between the Crown and Māori that previous governments embraced, she said. "We urge the government and Pharmac to not walk away from Te Tiriti o Waitangi if it's serious about improving the health outcomes of Māori." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Govt's Further Backtrack On Te Tiriti O Waitangi At Pharmac Endangers Māori Health
Pharmac's proposal to axe its specialist Māori advisory team is another sad example of the low priority the Government places on improving the health of Māori. The proposed scrapping of the Māori Directorate announced to staff today will see a net loss of three roles, including those responsible for supporting an anti-racism research programme, and the roles responsible for supporting the work of the now-defunct Māori Advisory Group. "This is an abandonment of Pharmac's commitment to the health of Māori and another breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi," said Janice Panoho, Te Kaihautū Māori for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. This follows a decision in October last year to scrap the independent Māori Advisory Group, Te Rōpū Māori, made up of medical specialists including doctors, pharmacists and researchers. This was a result of the Government's Letter of Expectations to Pharmac instructing it to stop embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in its funding decisions. "This latest proposal flies in the face of Pharmac's statutory obligation to consider equity and address racism in access to medicines - this change will further diminish the voice of Māori in Pharmac's funding decisions. "The dismantling of Pharmac's Māori leadership capacity is unacceptable. It sends a clear message to our communities, that Māori voices in the health system can be ignored, erased, and sidelined. "Across the public service, the Government is overriding its legal obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and washing its hands of the partnership between the Crown and Māori that previous governments embraced. "We urge the Government and Pharmac to not walk away from Te Tiriti o Waitangi if it's serious about improving the health outcomes of Māori." The PSA stands with its Māori members at Pharmac and calls for a firm recommitment to equity in health outcomes for Māori and its community. Using Scoop for work? Scoop is free for personal use, but you'll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features. Join Pro Individual Find out more
