Media release

From: New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA)

Key Points
* The Health and Disability System Review was an opportunity for transformation after the
damning WAI 2575 Waitangi Tribunal report.
* We reviewed the report against the five elements of te Tiriti o Waitangi.
* To enable tino rangatiratanga, the Māori expert advisory group wanted a full resourced
independent Māori health authority. This advice was minimised and was a breach of te Tiriti.
* Addressing racism requires a systemic response beyond cultural safety.
* Wairua and tikanga needs to be addressed within the wider health review.

Summary
The Health and Disability System Review (the Simpson Review) was an opportunity for transformation after
the damning WAI 2575 Waitangi Tribunal report. The authors undertook a high-level review of the Simpson
Review report analysing it against key elements of te Tiriti o Waitangi. This review was an opportunity to
share power, commit to Māori health and embed anti-racism and structural mechanisms, such as the
proposed Māori health authority to uphold te Tiriti o Waitangi. We concluded the Simpson Review did not
take up these opportunities, but instead perpetuated further breaches of te Tiriti through minimising the
advice of the Māori expert advisory group.