Now law (2024)

Pae Ora (Māori Health Authority) amendment

Disestablished Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority that the previous Labour government created in 2022 to commission health services for Māori and share decision-making across the health system. The coalition moved its functions and staff into the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand.

Its journey through Parliament

27 Feb 2024

Introduced

28 Feb 2024

Passed all three readings in one sitting, under urgency

30 Jun 2024

The Māori Health Authority is disestablished

What it does

Disestablished Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority).

Transferred its functions and staff to the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora).

Repealed the joint Māori–Crown decision-making and co-commissioning arrangements in the health system.

Why it defined this election

A defining change to how the health system is structured, with strong views on both sides — and passed under urgency.

Public response

Passed under urgency, with limited public submission — itself a point of contention. Opposition parties and many Māori health advocates opposed it, arguing a dedicated authority was needed to address long-standing Māori health inequities. The government argued those services could be delivered, and held accountable, within the main health system.

Who championed it

National-led government; Health Minister Dr Shane Reti.

Where it landed

Now law. Te Aka Whai Ora was disestablished on 30 June 2024 and its work absorbed into Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health.

Where the parties stand on health Verify at the official source — legislation.govt.nz

Sources

Ministry of Health — Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act Te Ao Māori News — Parliament passes bill to disestablish Te Aka Whai Ora NZ Legislation — Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act

Neutral summary, January 2026 knowledge cut-off — confirm any later changes at the official source. Arapono does not take a side.