The Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora welcomes the release of the Māori Health Strategy 2026 - Whiria te Ora, setting a clear direction for improving health outcomes for Māori over the next five years. The Strategy provides a consolidated framework for action across the health system and supports achievement of the Government's health targets, fulfilling requirements of the Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Act 2022.
The Strategy builds on the gains and enduring direction of previous Māori health strategies and action plans, while consolidating them into a refreshed, delivery-focused framework for system-wide action.
The Strategy establishes a clear, needs-based approach to delivering action in four priority areas:
- Prevention and early intervention
- Quality, safety and accountability
- A resilient health workforce and provider sector
- Strengthening Māori health leadership
These priorities are intended to strengthen system performance and improve access to timely, effective healthcare for Māori.
The Strategy has been informed by engagement with the Hauora Māori Advisory Committee, Māori communities, health providers, IMPBs, iwi, advisory groups and health entities. An accompanying Insights Report outlining the key themes raised through engagement has also been published.
The focus now is on implementation, accountability and ensuring effort is directed to where it can make the greatest difference.
Progress will be monitored through health targets, action delivery, monitoring and evaluation, with a focus on improving access to timely, high-quality care for Māori.
Lasting change will depend on collective effort across government, health organisations, providers, iwi and communities to improve access, strengthen accountability and support better health and wellbeing outcomes for whānau.
You can read the Māori Health Strategy 2026 here: Māori Health Strategy 2026
