MoU important step for health of Canterbury Maori

DATE: 6.3.08

SUBJECT: MoU signing important step in improving health of Canterbury Maori

The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) will tomorrow sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Manawhenua Ki Waitaha.

Manawhenua Ki Waitaha is a representative collective of the seven Ngāi Tahu Rūnanga that are in the CDHB’s district of responsibility.

The Memorandum of Understanding has taken many years to negotiate and finalise. All such documents require cabinet approval to ensure government agencies such as the CDHB are following correct guidelines.

The Memorandum of understanding represents an important milestone in the Health arena for Manawhenua ki Waitaha and the CDHB. It commits both parties to regularly meeting to allow Manawhenua Ki Waitaha to participate in CDHB processes of planning, funding and delivering health services in Canterbury. The CDHB will report progress on Māori health to Manawhenua Ki Waitaha on a quarterly basis and engage with them to assist in improving the health outcomes for our Canterbury Māori population and the wider Canterbury community.

Manawhenua ki Waitaha and the previous board of the CDHB, prior to last year’s DHB elections, worked hard to help get the document ready and approve it for signing. Both the CDHB and Manawhenua Ki Waitaha approved the document for signing in November 2007 and the formality of signing will take place at 9am tomorrow.

The CDHB board will be welcomed by Manawhenua Ki Waitaha with a powhiri at the offices of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Following the pōwhiri, the formal signing will take place and the Board will later conduct its monthly board meeting in the board room of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

ENDS

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