Southern Cross Health Society has announced the establishment of a Māori governance advisory group, which it claims to be a first for New Zealand’s health insurance sector.
The advisory body, part of a wider Southern Cross strategy focused on meeting Māori health needs, will work alongside the health insurer aiming to help improve health outcomes for Māori.
Chaired by Precious Clark, the eight-member body includes iwi leaders along with community and health sector representatives.
Southern Cross CEO, Nick Astwick, says Southern Cross recognised the opportunity to work with Māori and iwi to affect change.
“Southern Cross is deeply committed to empowering Kiwis to live their healthiest lives and the advisory group is vital to helping us achieve that,” he said.
“As the market leader in private healthcare, we are perfectly positioned to positively influence the ways in which care is delivered to all New Zealanders.”
Chair Clark said the formation of the advisory group represented a significant opportunity to work collaboratively to improve health outcomes across the nation.
“In order for our health system to be as responsive as it can be to the needs of Māori, it’s vital it encompasses Māori modalities of care. It’s essential that Māori receive culturally appropriate and supportive care to ensure the best possible health outcomes,” said Clark.
“It’s essential that Māori receive culturally appropriate and supportive care to ensure the best possible health outcomes,”
“The formation of the advisory group is a pioneering step in the right direction towards Māori being confident that their particular health care needs are met and understood in both the public and private sectors.”
Advisory group members include:
- Precious Clark (chair)
- Donna Flavell
- Summer Hawke
- Dr Ihirangi Heke
- Dr Katrina Karakino
- Dr Hana O’Regan
- Joseph Stafford
- Che Wilson