Concerns raised over cuts to Māori, Pacific health services

According to the Public Service Association (PSA), the Māori and Pacific health sectors are set to lose 246 roles.

This decision has raised concerns over the potential threats these changes could pose to both Māori and Pacific communities.

These proposals are in response to a government directive aimed at reducing health budgets, which could result in the loss of more than 1500 health roles, many of which still need to be fulfilled.

Māori health services

The Māori health team within the National Public Health Service (NPHS) is set to be disestablished, and 32 roles, particularly in health promotion and prevention, are proposed to be eliminated.

Hauora Māori Health Services, which transitioned into Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ after the disestablishment of the Māori Health Authority, is at risk of losing 131 positions, reducing its workforce from 367 to 236 roles.

PSA health spokesperson Sue McCullough criticised the cuts, saying, "PSA members who work in this area were distraught by this decision. Promotion and prevention are essential to the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.

“It’s brutal and careless," says PSA health spokesperson Sue McCullough on health cuts. Photo/Supplied.

“It’s brutal and careless. It has been framed as an ‘improvement’ to Māori health, but it’s disingenuous. It’s cost-cutting. Plain and simple. The members know it’s not about improving services,” McCullough said.

Pacific health services

Pacific health services are facing similar cuts. Within the NPHS, 32 roles are at risk, reducing their workforce from 43.1 to 10.5 positions.

In total, 50.8 full-time positions in Pacific health services are proposed for disestablishment, decreasing their staff from 158.2 to 99.4 roles.

Additionally, the budget for Pacific health services has been reduced by $12.2 million, dropping from $162.2m to $150m, a 7.5 per cent decrease.

The proposed cuts are expected to significantly impact critical areas such as programme delivery, administration, and workforce development.

McCullough says there are damaging effects on Pacific communities.

"These cuts are expected to harm Pacific Communities and significantly impact the future of the Pacific health workforce.

Fepulea'i Margie Apa, head of Te Whatu Ora. Photo/Te Whatu Ora.

“Any cuts to Pacific Services will have a significant impact on people and communities.

"It’s proposed core funding and contracting will be given to regional teams that will be reduced in size. Programmes delivering critical health care to Pacific communities will be slowed or stopped.

"Again, these cuts have been made to meet a budget rather than the needs of communities. These cuts will cause harm to Pacific communities.

"These decisions should be about having the community’s best interests at heart rather than dollars and cents.

“It is vital we continue to fund and staff Pacific health services properly to ensure not only current but future generations remain healthy,” McCullough said.

Fepulea'i Margie Apa, head of Te Whatu Ora, told RNZ that the organisation was “resetting” and would consult staff regarding various restructuring proposals over the next few weeks. Additional changes are anticipated in the new year.

"We know working through these changes will be unsettling for affected staff and acknowledge a large number of positions are proposed to be removed," Apa said.