Experts and advocates are concerned about the absence of Asian New Zealanders in Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand's leadership.
East Auckland doctor Carlos Lam said he felt Te Whatu Ora failed to canvass Asian communities for leadership candidates. Photo: Supplied
Almost two months since the new health entity was launched, no Asian names are on the organisation's 51 leadership roles - including interim appointments.
According to the 2018 Census, diverse Asians make up 15 percent of the population and are the country's fastest growing ethnic group.
Recent figures show Asian New Zealanders have the lowest cervical and breast screening rates and are falling behind in engagement with primary healthcare.
Population and migration researcher Francis Collins said diversity strategies in health systems needed to go beyond cultural competency training, to address structural issues, including representation in leadership and decision making.
Dr Francis questioned whether there was enough "legislative impetus" or expectation that health authorities were organised in a way that was responsive to the diversity of populations.
"That's a question that I think should be seriously asked as we establish a brand new approach to the health system," he said.
Dr Francis was co-author of a paper on diversity policies in one district health board area with a considerable proportion of Asians.
The study found diversity strategies emphasised on training health workers to be culturally aware which was great, he said.
But there was not the same emphasis on ensuring representation of Asians or other ethnic minority groups in the leadership structure, Dr Francis said.
East Auckland doctor Carlos Lam said he felt Te Whatu Ora failed to canvass Asian communities for leadership candidates.
"I am certain that there are high- calibre individuals with the requisite skill set and charisma within these groups, who could certainly lead a health team if they have been given a chance and made aware of the opportunities available," he said.
The glass ceiling created by structural racism was a barrier for Asian Kiwis doing good work in the sector and seeking a promotion, Dr Lam said.
RNZ has approached Te Whatu Ora on these criticisms and its leadership recruitment processes, but is yet to hear back.
Its chief executive Margie Apa earlier told RNZ they are committed to diversity in the workforce, including in leadership positions, but had no set targets for representation "as these roles have accountabilities to serve all communities equitably".
Vishal Rishi, who leads Asian Network, said he was disappointed but not surprised at the absence of Asian faces.
There was not enough voice given to Asians during the planning for Te Whatu Ora, and calls by his organisation for a Asian Health strategy also appeared to have been ignored, he said.
"They need to demonstrate how do they value diversity in leadership… if it is not visible or demonstrated, then they're just talking, that's it probably."
Asian Family Services director Kelly Feng said Te Whatu Ora needed to consider how it could attract more ethnically diverse leaders.
It needed to be more transparent with recruitment for its leadership positions, she said.
Health sector leaders from diverse communities should be given an opportunity to apply, she said.