The creation of a Māori health authority is good news – but the devil will be in the details | Gabrielle Baker

The critical questions of who is really in charge and who has the money still need to be answered

After decades of neglect, inequality, and outright racism in New Zealand's health system, a shift toward indigenous sovereignty and tino rangatiratanga in healthcare is long overdue. The Mori Health Authority that the government announced this week seems like a step in the right direction. But the devil will be in the details, as we wait to see if this will produce true change, or just more window dressing.

The failure of the health and disability system to serve Mori has been apparent for decades. A visit to the Ministry of Health website will yield report after report documenting the seven-year life expectancy gap between Mori and non-Mori, higher rates of cancer and other preventable illness, worse outcomes in care, and a myriad of other inequities. Being able to describe Mori health inequities is necessary. But ultimately, it's insufficient.