MidCentral District Health Board (MDHB) and its Māori Relationship Board Manawhenua Hauora have re-signed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance Maori health in the district.
The MoU is renewed every three years, and underpins the MDHB’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and Māori health gain.
Dot McKinnon, MDHB Chair, welcomed both Boards to the auspicious occasion and acknowledged the presence of Organisational Leadership Team members. She said MDHB has come a long way in growing its partnership with Manawhenua Hauora. “Our DHB’s success is predicated on a strong relationship and a pro equity stance.”
Oriana Paewai, Chair of Manawhenua Hauora, took the opportunity to introduce Sheryll Hoera, Rangitāne o Tamaki nui a Rua, as its newest member and thanked those present for their continued commitment to the Treaty relationship.
Following the formal signing, MDHB General Manager Māori, Stephanie Turner, prefaced an opportunity for frank and open discussion with a re-cap of the Treaty of Waitangi articles and principles with particular reference to hauora. A lively dialogue amongst Board members ensued as they discussed actions and activities that would demonstrate Treaty-driven health outcomes.
MDHB Chief Executive Kathryn Cook re-affirmed the central region’s commitment to strengthening their Treaty of Waitangi responsiveness.
The final item for discussion was the joint 2019/2020 work programme. The work programme has been re-vamped to reflect a governance relationship built on mutual respect and shared Māori health gain goals.
Above: Members of Manawhenua Hauora and MidCentral District Health Board came together to re-sign the Memorandum of Understanding. (L-R Sheryll Hoera, Danielle Harris, Adele Berquist, Robyn Richardson, Brendan Duffy, Diane Anderson, Nadarajah Manoharan, Michael Feyen, Ann Chapman. Seated: Oriana Paewai and Dot McKinnon)
Above: Chair of Manawhenua Hauora, Oriana Paewai (left), and Dot McKinnon, Chair of MidCentral DHB, sign the MoU.
(Note: Manawhenua Hauora is represented by up to three representatives from each of the Iwi who have mana whenua in the MDHB district: Raukawa; Muaupoko; Kahungunu ki Tamaki Nui a Rua; and Rangitane.)