Treaty clause in health bill 'recognises special needs'

Maori lawyer Donna Hall has defended a Treaty of Waitangi clause in Government health reforms, saying "equal treatment means recognising difference."

She said National leader Jenny Shipley was "making a mountain out of a molehill" by saying the legislation proposed in the Public Health and Disability Bill could lead to two classes of patients based on skin colour.

Ms Hall said: "Some people just have different needs. We do it for the blind ... for the disabled, and Maori have special needs too."



A feisty debate is expected this week when the bill is discussed in Parliament.

The bill will require health administrators to interpret the law in accordance with treaty principles and to establish "partnerships" with local mana whenua (those with area authority). The Coalition has said it may also insert treaty rights into other social policy, such as employment.

But Mrs Shipley believes the move could lead to special privileges for Maori and become a rights issue in court.