Corporate Publications BOPDHB Orientation & Information Booklet | Page 14

Māori Health Rūnanga
The Bay of Plenty District Health Board is unique in that governance is shared between our general board
and our Rūnanga. The BOPDHB Rūnanga affirms the BOPDHB’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi
principles, and most importantly recognises that Māori have an important role to play in determining
their own aspirations and priorities for health. The Board acknowledges the important role of iwi and
looks to the Rūnanga and its 18 mandated iwi health representatives to provide both strategic direction
and connection to the Māori community on issues of importance to Māori. The Rūnanga is integral to
providing a mechanism to enable Māori to contribute to decision-making, participate in the planning
and delivery of health and disability services as well as providing an effective forum for consultation and
engagement with whānau, hapū and iwi.
The role of the Rūnanga
• Provides input and direction to the BOPDHB on all strategic matters affecting health and disability
services for Māori at a governance level.
• Provides the principal vehicle for consulting with whānau, hapū and iwi throughout the area, to ensure
Māori contribute to decision-making at a governance level and participate in planning, purchasing and
provision of services.
• Provides advice on all matters pertaining to the impact of health and disability services for Māori.
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