Media Release
18 May 2005
Call for feedback on Mäori health and disability workforce plan
The Ministry of Health wants feedback on a new plan aimed at building the Mäori health and disability workforce over the
next 10 to 15 years.
Ministry of Health Deputy Director-General of Mäori Health Ria Earp said today it was important people had their say on
the Raranga Tupuake: Mäori Health Workforce Development Plan Discussion Document, because it would guide the future
development of the Mäori health and disability workforce.
``Mäori remain under-represented in the health workforce in almost all areas of the health sector. We know there is a
real need to improve this -- capable and competent Mäori health workers are crucial to providing appropriate care to
Mäori and their whänau,'' Ms Earp said.
``Increasing the number and level of training of Mäori in the health and disability workforce, as well as further
developing the Mäori provider community will help improve Mäori access to services, as well as the effectiveness of both
mainstream and Mäori provider services.''
Mäori represent about 15 percent of New Zealand's population but are estimated to make up only five percent of the
health workforce, excluding informal support workers and alternative complementary health practitioners. Kaiawhina and
community health workers are an important part of our workforce and Mäori are well represented in these groups.
Raranga Tupuake focuses on increasing the number of Mäori in the workforce at all levels, expanding the skill base of
Mäori currently in the workforce and enabling equitable access for Mäori to future training opportunities.
The Ministry will hold a series of hui around the country as part of the discussion document consultation process. The
hui will be in Auckland (June 8), Paihia (June 10), Rotorua (June 15), Hawke's Bay (June 17), Christchurch (June 22),
Wanganui (June 24) and Wellington (June 27).
All submissions on the Raranga Tupuake: Mäori Health Workforce Development Plan Discussion Document are due by 5pm,
Friday 8 July. The final workforce development plan will be released after consultation and analysis of submissions.
The Raranga Tupuake: Mäori Health Workforce Development Plan Discussion Document can be viewed at www.moh.govt.nz
ENDS