New Zealand: thousands protest against new government policies that unravel Māori gains
GuardianAUG 2023
New Zealand to Abolish Maori Health Authority
Image copyright: Fiona Goodall/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
This initiative undermines the rights of New Zealand's Maori population. Both political and social opposition in the form of petitions and protests have been largely ignored by Luxon's government. Repealing the Maori Health Authority is a highly unpopular move, which could backfire and destroy the country's social fabric.
Pro-establishment narrative
The end of the Maori Health Authority doesn't mean the end of all initiatives to improve Maori health outcomes. Additionally, the national health system absorbing the Authority does not mean all the current expertise about Maori health will be lost. Government officials have made clear their commitment to continuing the mission of improving the health of all New Zealanders.