A senior lecturer in Māori Health says she is optimistic the latest research into health inequities, as well as findings from the Waitangi Tribunal on health grievances, will prompt the New Zealand government to address institutional racism in the sector.
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Heather Came from AUT's Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research said she thinks there has been a shift in thinking about racism and inequality at the Ministry of Health but action needs to follow rhetoric.
Dr Came said inaction in the face of known racism towards Maori and Pacific people is incredibly unhelpful.
"There's a lot of health practitioners out there working incredibly hard. But the issue is that some of the work that we're doing isn't being effective.
"We've got systemic, institutional racism and we need to look at what we're doing and where we're investing and how we're developing policy. And it's time for a bit of a reflection and a bit of a re-boot."
Change will come not through blaming individuals but by leaders, professionals and politicians taking collective responsibility to make the health system is more effective for everyone, Dr Came said.