Rebalance to fix M¯aori inequities

It seems Judith Collins and David Seymour are losing sleep because the health minister is to trial a separate unit for Ma¯ ori health and because this may be one of a number of such ‘‘separate unit’’ moves suggested in a 2019 document (Little denies ‘plan’ on Maori health, May 5). They want one system for all. Good luck with that.

Leaders of this country have had over 150 years to create a health system incorporating the best of British/ European practice, together with the best of Ma¯ ori practice. They have simply failed to do this, both unconsciously and at times wilfully.

The same is true of the education system, the justice system – pretty much all New Zealand ‘‘systems’’.

Despite honest efforts made in small waves over our time as ‘‘one nation’’, conscious resistance and normal human inertia have usually blocked any meaningful Ma¯ ori input.

The introduction of a parallel system at this point is both an honest admission that the ‘‘one for all’’ approach has never actually been tried and a necessary alternative step.

Both the avoidance of division and the recognition of inequity are good things. Societies have to constantly re-address the balance. Right now, in social welfare and in health the balance needs to deal with inequity – the evidence is clear.

Maybe in six years’ time, Seymour’s conservatism will be needed, but not now. Radical change is called for. No doubt there will be flaws and failures along the way – that’s how it is with innovation. Judith and David’s sleep will remain disturbed for a while yet.

Alister Williams, Waikanae