As a population group, Māori have on average the poorest health status of any ethnic group in New Zealand.
This is not acceptable, and the Government and the Ministry of Health have made it a key priority to reduce the health inequalities that affect Māori. If Māori are to live longer, have healthier lives, and fulfil their potential to participate in New Zealand society, then the factors that cause inequalities in health need to be addressed.
Strategic direction for Māori health
He Korowai Oranga:
Māori Health Strategy
He Korowai Oranga: Māori Health Strategy sets the direction for Māori health development in the health and disability sector. The strategy provides a framework for the public sector to take responsibility for the part it plays in supporting the health status of whānau. The vision of He Korowai Oranga is the achievement of whānau ora, or healthy families.
Whakatātaka Tuarua: Māori Health Action Plan
Whakatātaka Tuarua: Māori Health Action Plan 2006-2011 outlines what the health and disability sector will do to implement the Māori Health Strategy, and includes programmes, policies and interventions. The Action Plan is a valuable tool for contributing to reducing health inequalities between Māori and non-Māori.
New Zealand Health Strategy and New Zealand Disability Strategy
The New Zealand Health Strategy and the New Zealand Disability Strategy are the Government’s platform for action on health and disability, including Māori health. The strategies’ principles, goals, objectives, action and service priorities for improving the health and disability of New Zealanders are all relevant to improving Māori health.
He Korowai Oranga: Māori Health Strategy expands the principles and objectives for Māori in both strategies and takes them to the next stage by providing more detail on how Māori health objectives will be achieved. At the same time, He Korowai Oranga exists in its own right.
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