Haidee Rēnata, Dr Carlton Irving, Dr Maria Baker, Heather Came
Abstract
Objective: There has been a longstanding global shortage of clinically and culturally safe health practitioners, and a critical scarcity of Indigenous practitioners. Within Aotearoa, the Health Workforce Plan 2023/24 (the Plan) is a major policy driver for addressing health workforce issues within Te Whatu Ora, our major health employer.
Methods: Using Critical Tiriti Analysis, this paper reviews to what extent the Plan aligns to the five elements of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. A Critical Tiriti Analysis involves a rigorous five-step process: i) orientation, ii) close reading, iii) determination, iv) strengthening practice and v) Māori final word.
Results: We found the Plan to be in partial alignment with Te Tiriti. This desktop review showed Māori providers, practitioners, and academic voices were missing. Tino rangatiratanga was not explicit, nor were plans to address the recommendations of the hauora kaupapa Waitangi Tribunal report, and tikanga was missing.
Conclusion: To address ethnic health inequities, we need to invest in the Māori workforce, build the cultural safety of the existing health workforce, eliminate racism and decolonise the health sector.
Workforce planning needs to be equity focused and well aligned with Te Tiriti and Indigenous aspirations.
