Maori health issues

The new chief adviser in Maori health, Dr Tony Ruakere, says his position reflects the Government's commitment to improving the health of Maori. Dr Ruakere, who took up the position with the Ministry of Health earlier this year, was with a New Plymouth iwi-based service which he helped establish four years ago.

Ria Earp, the ministry's deputy director of Maori health, says Dr Ruakere's very practical experience will assist it to "make tangible improvements to the health of Maori." Dr Ruakere says it will be his special responsibility to identify clinical strategies to address disparities between Maori and non-Maori.

"An important part of my job will involve networking with Maori health providers and advocates, including iwi and urban Maori, hospital and health services and primary care providers, non-government organisations and community trusts.

"There are a number of important Maori health issues that require special attention in New Zealand. My aim is to work with people in the Ministry of Health and the wider health sector to achieve a Maori health focus across a number of health policy and programme areas. These include immunisation, diabetes, mental health, child health and dental health."

Dr Ruakere chaired the Maori committee of the Asthma Foundation, was the chairman of the curriculum review of Maori health for general practice, and, more recently, was a member of the Maori Health Commission.