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In a move that has sparked outrage and concern, the Government's decision to dismantle Te Aka Whai Ora is a blow to the health and well-being of tangata whenua.
The Green Party strongly condemns this decision, which disregards the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and undermines the progress made in indigenous healthcare.
This blog post delves into the devastating implications of this rushed legislation and highlights the urgent need for public input and the involvement of the Waitangi Tribunal.
1. A Legacy of Neglect:
The deep-rooted institutional neglect of Māori healthcare has had dire consequences for generations.
Shockingly, preventable diseases and illnesses claim the lives of Māori at a rate four times higher than non-Māori.
This stark disparity is a painful reminder of the failure of the status quo.
Furthermore, wāhine Māori face barriers to accessing vital cervical and breast screenings, leaving them more vulnerable to cancer-related fatalities.
Additionally, our tamariki suffer from a mortality rate one-and-a-half times higher than their non-Māori counterparts.
These distressing statistics culminate in an average life expectancy for Māori that is seven years shorter than that of non-Māori in Aotearoa.
2. Te Aka Whai Ora: A Beacon of Hope:
Te Aka Whai Ora represented a groundbreaking initiative, embodying the principles of tino rangatiratanga and offering a glimmer of hope for Māori healthcare.
Its dismantlement risks perpetuating the cycle of poor health outcomes for Māori, which is a stain on the conscience of our Government.
It is imperative that we acknowledge the progress made and not allow it to be undone.
3. Protecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi:
The Government's hasty decision to bypass public input and the ongoing Waitangi Tribunal's Urgent Inquiry is a subversion of our democratic process.
By rushing the legislation without proper assessment, the Government is once again trampling on the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
This disregard for the Treaty and the lack of consultation with Māori communities only deepens the wounds of historical injustices.
The Green Party calls upon the Government to immediately halt its plans to abolish Te Aka Whai Ora.
It is crucial that the Waitangi Tribunal is given the opportunity to thoroughly assess the implications of this decision before any final determinations are made.
The health and well-being of Māori must not be sacrificed in the name of expediency.
Let us stand together in protecting the rights and dignity of tangata whenua and ensure a future where healthcare disparities are a thing of the past.
