On the 1st of July 2022, Iwi Māori Partnership Boards were able to be established throughout Aotearoa as part of the Pae Ora [Healthy Futures] Act 2022.

 

The Act recognises the important role of Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards and Māori exercising Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake when it comes to planning and decision-making for health services at a local level. Iwi Māori Partnership Boards [IMPBs] are a key feature of the health reforms, with decision making roles at a local level, and jointly agreed local priorities and delivery with Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora.

 

IMPBs are the primary source of whānau voice in the system and influence regional strategies through Localities and Te Aka Whai Ora:

 

• IMPBs are an example of collaborative leadership, bringing the appropriate people, together they will create an authentic vision and strategies for addressing their shared concerns and solutions to improve the health system.

 

• They will enable Iwi, hapū and whānau to exercise rangatiratanga in their rohe. They ensure tangata whenua voices are heard and local health services reflect those who need and use them.

 

• This will help build a stronger Māori workforce, support the growth in capability and capacity of hauora Māori healthcare providers, and encourage more innovation in services that deliver better outcomes for Māori.

 

The Iwi Māori Partnership Boards will ensure Te Aka Whai Ora has a direct understanding of the inequities and barriers experienced by specific communities and local providers and is taking action to address these and improve Pae Ora.