The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Manawhenua Hauora and MidCentral DHB
What is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and how is it put into action?
Flax weaving in front of Maori carving.
The shared commitment to Maori Health is contained in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Board of MidCentral DHB and Manawhenua Hauora. This memorandum is reviewed three-yearly, and was last reviewed and signed in July 2006.
The Memorandum of Understanding is based on four fundamental principles:
- a common interest and commitment to advancing Maori health,
- building on the gains and understandings already made in improving Maori health,
- applying the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi to work to achieve the best outcomes for Maori health, and
- partnership and mutual regard.
How is the MoU put into Action?
The Memorandum of Understanding is put into effect through an annual work programme. This work programme is agreed between Manawhenua Hauora and MidCentral DHB. In addition, a representative on Manawhenua Hauora sits on each of the DHB’s statutory committees (Hospital Advisory Committee, Community & Public Health Advisory Committee, and Disability Support Advisory Committee), and the Enable New Zealand Governance Group.
Over the past two years, the emphasis has been on primary health organisation establishment, and resulted in the development of Kaupapa Tuatahi which forms part of the minimum requirements for all PHOs in the district. Target funding levels for Maori health services have been set, and a Maori Workforce Strategy developed. The creation of a Maori Primary Health Strategy is now underway, as well as a Maori Health Responsiveness Framework to monitor Maori Health gain in the district. Additional to this has seen the appointment of a Kairangahau – Research and Policy Adviser to support Manawhenua Hauora to develop their capacity to provide robust Maori policy advice to MidCentral DHB Board.
Building on the journey and developing the strategic platform around Oranga Pumau, District Maori Health Strategy and the Maori Health Workforce Strategy is the focus ahead. More importantly, Manawhenua Hauora will support and advise MidCentral DHB on the development of the Maori Health Responsiveness Framework to monitor health gain across the district.
Progress against the work programme is reviewed six-monthly, and regular reporting exists to the Board and various statutory committees.
In addition to this formal Iwi partnership arrangement, the various divisions of MidCentral DHB have links with both Iwi health and independent Maori health providers.
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Last Updated 23/07/2009