A.E. Thompson: See What’s Happening in our New Health System

A friend of a friend, a clinician in the health field whom we shall call Bruce X who does not speak Maori language beyond some well-known words, recently applied for a position with one of the two government health organizations now in existence. His experience provided insight into our new health system and the Ardern government that created it.

The new organization’s correspondence featured a letterhead showing a large name in bold black ‘Te Whatu Ora’ with a smaller, much less imposing ‘Health New Zealand’ underneath it in light green. According to its own website, the Maori name can mean ‘the weaving of wellness’ and something about a basket but they acknowledge that it might mean other things instead. Note that ‘Te Whatu Ora’ doesn’t provide a clear idea of the role of this taxpayer-funded body, even for that small percentage of NZers who would understand the words.