4. Question No. 4—HealthMARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader—Green) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 4—Health4. MARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader—Green) to the Minister of Health: How has the Government engaged with the Māori health sector during the COVID-19 pandemic?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): The Government recognised that if we did not develop a specific response for Māori Māori were likely to carry a higher health burden as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why we provided an initial funding support package of $56 million to support Māori to develop responses that work for Māori communities. The Government has worked extensively across the Māori health sector to design develop support and implement the Māori health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Central to the Government's response has been the development of the COVID-19 Māori Response Action Plan which was developed in conjunction with the COVID-19 Māori Reference Group Tumu Whakarae and the technical advisory group.Marama Davidson: What evidence has he seen of Māori health organisations delivering valuable services to keep their communities well during the pandemic?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The ministry worked closely with Tumu Whakarae to identify strong providers in the Māori health network who showed that they could effectively support the COVID-19 response. Māori health providers have been working quickly and innovatively throughout the pandemic to keep their communities safe. Papakura Marae in South Auckland and Ngā Hau e Whā Marae in Christchurch for example have established community-based assessment centres (CBACs) at their marae to support whānau and improve access to healthcare and we know that Māori have responded well to the CBACs at marae. The ministry has also contributed funding to support Whānau Ora commissioning agencies to respond quickly to COVID-19. With this funding commissioning agencies and their national networks of health and social service providers across the motu have ensured the provision of health and hygiene packs care packages information and other forms of necessary and holistic support to whānau. These are a few examples only of how Māori health providers have been working to support their communities.Marama Davidson: How has Māori health equity been considered at each stage of the COVID response?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Equity for Māori is a critical feature of the ministry's COVID-19 response and we are ensuring it is considered at every stage of the pandemic. One of the ministry's first steps was to introduce a proactive influenza vaccination programme with a specific focus on kaumātua and kuia. This was launched in mid-March to target vulnerable groups including Māori. The programme has been successful with twice the amount of kaumātua and kuia receiving their flu vaccinations compared to previous years. I'd also note that the Cancer Control Agency has recently appointed an equity director. In the context of the pandemic the agency has developed treatment guidelines for medical oncology radio oncology haematology cancer surgery and cancer radiology. The Cancer Control Agency is also looking at the non-treatment drivers of cancer inequities to identify what other resources or supports might be required to maximise access to cancer treatment and care.Marama Davidson: What role does he see in bringing Māori health experts to the decision-making table after the pandemic?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The ministry worked with the Māori Reference Group to develop Whakamaua the draft Māori Health Action Plan and that group was established last year. The ministry has worked with them throughout the pandemic and will continue to work with them in future to ensure our work is suitable relevant for whānau and fit for purpose. Māori health experts have also been brought on to the Technical Advisory Group and other advisory boards. The Ministry of Health have also worked with the National Iwi Chairs Forum Māori funeral directors the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand New Zealand Mortuary Services Ltd the Māori Reference Group Technical Advisory Group and Tumu Whakarae. I see their role as a means to ensure equity is a core part of our business.Marama Davidson: What progress has the Government made in implementing the recommendations of the Waitangi Tribunal's 2019 Hauora report such as strengthening equity in the health system?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Cabinet has agreed to accept the tribunal findings for stage 1 of the Wai 2575 Health Services and Outcomes Kaupapa Inquiry as the findings are largely reflective of Crown witnesses' evidence provided to date. The ministry has entered into a heads of agreement with stage 1 claimants to progress some of the recommendations in the Hauora report. The operational recommendations in the Hauora report align with work the ministry has already committed to and already has under way. The ministry will continue to progress the operational recommendations that can be achieved quickly using existing levers and within current baselines.