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Disestablished Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority that the previous Labour government created in 2022 to commission health services for Māori and share decision-making across the health system. The coalition moved its functions and staff into the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand.
Its journey through Parliament
A defining change to how the health system is structured, with strong views on both sides, and passed under urgency.
Passed under urgency, with limited public submission, itself a point of contention. Opposition parties and many Māori health advocates opposed it, arguing a dedicated authority was needed to address long-standing Māori health inequities. The government argued those services could be delivered, and held accountable, within the main health system.
National-led government; Health Minister Dr Shane Reti.
Now law. Te Aka Whai Ora was disestablished on 30 June 2024 and its work absorbed into Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health.
The legislation behind this, with where it has got to.
Neutral summary, January 2026 knowledge cut-off, confirm any later changes at the official source. Politika does not take a side.
