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Support to stop merger

Media Statement

For Immediate Release

Support to stop merger

The Hutt Valley Maori Health Service Development group (MHSDG) supports the call from the doctors to stop the merger of health services in the Wellington region.

Last Friday 100 representatives of marae, health and community groups attended the Hutt Valley DHB meeting calling for the review of Maori services providers to be stopped. The review was triggered by the financial deficit in the Hutt Valley which prior to the merger the Hutt Valley District Health Board had never experienced.

‘Changes by stealth appears to have been a common practice under the current leadership of the Capital Coast and Hutt Valley District Health Boards over the past four years.’ says Noelene Smiler, Chair MHSDG. ‘The Maori Health spend across the 3DHBs has been reducing by stealth also. Merger of the Maori Health Management role occurred across the 3DHBs. However, the person resigned within two weeks of his appointment. There has been no moves to fill that position to date.

A Masterton Maori Health provider was recently advised that their funds will be cut and three Maori Health Services providers in the Hutt Valley have been advised to expect 20% cuts. Cuts to most of these organisations threaten their viability to operate. What are they hoping to achieve? Do they want to wipe out Maori Health providers altogether?’

Dr Virginia Hope pledged to give Maori providers answers on how the board would address their concerns. To date there has been no formal response received.


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