Durie to lead steering group

Ma¯ori health pioneer Sir Mason Durie is the Government’s first appointment for the incoming Ma¯ori Health Authority.

Durie will spearhead the steering group, which would consult with Ma¯ori about possible candidates for the authority’s board and advise ministers on appointments. The group would also advise on how the authority should be governed and be held accountable.

‘‘Ta¯ (Sir) Mason is a pillar of the New Zealand health system and brings tremendous experience and mana to this crucial role,’’ Health Minister Andrew Little said yesterday.

The Ma¯ori Health Authority, which has been politically contentious this week, was a key aspect of sweeping health reforms announced by the Government in April.

It has promised to create a new health authority, Health New Zealand, that will replace district health boards. The Ma¯ori Health Authority would be independent of Health New Zealand, have ‘‘joint decisionmaking rights’’ and command of spending on programmes for Ma¯ori.

Durie has been a transformational Ma¯ori health leader since the 1980s. Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare said he hoped to confirm appointments to the authority’s interim board by September 1.