The Platform, Summarised by Centrist
Dr Shane Reti and Sean Plunket discuss an independent review by Ernst & Young that revealed poor performance and outcomes in the Maori Health Authority, Te Aka Whai Ora.
The report pointed out that the authority had no budget planning for its first four months and had breached the state-owned entities act. It also highlighted the transfer of staff based on ethnicity rather than skills and experience.
Despite warnings from the sector and requests for transparency, the report was kept hidden by Health Minister Ayesha Verrall for several months. The report highlights how the Government’s lack of clear implementation planning and strategic direction further exacerbated the situation.
Dr Reti, who is the National Health Spokesperson for the National Party, criticized the authority’s performance, claiming that he believed it had set back Maori health innovation for years to come.
