The emphasis is now on identifying other services for which there is a particular need and where skills can be brought to the people in a similar fashion. Further, as a well established health care provider, Raukura Hauora O Tainui fulfils an important advisory role for other Maori providers. Other key Maori provider groups also play something of this advisory role. They include the Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust, Te Hau Ora O Te Tai Tokerau, Te Oranganui, Poutiri Rangiorapapa, and the Healthcare Aoteoroa group. The latter group is essentially a provider forum including a large number of the major Maori providers.
Child health is a priority.
Children under six years have received free care through Raukura Hauora O Tainui, independently of the recent introduction of free care nationally. The focus on child health is grounded in the principle that a well child has more potential to be educated. In turn, a well educated child has greater opportunity for employment, and an employed individual has a greater opportunity to contribute to the development of the economy and, thus, to the overall well-being of the country. Health issues for Maori are symptomatic of bigger issues for Maori and making gains in health will not necessarily improve the lot of Maori. There needs to be concerted developments on several fronts including education and employment, and health in the context of Maori development per se.