Thrust towards closing gap in life expectancy,

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

LOWER Maori life expectancy has come under the scrutiny of Hauora Tairawhiti district health board members, but chairman David Scott is hopeful co-operation between health agencies can lead to a major improvement in the years ahead.

Statistics New Zealand figures show Maori life expectancy in Tairawhiti has increased from 70.3 years in 2006 to 72.6 in 2013. Over the same time, European life expectancy increased from 80.7 to 81.8.

Na Raihania started the discussion, expressing concern that little improvement was occurring.

The gap between Maori and Pakeha had not been reduced.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, during her Gisborne visit, said $200,000 would be invested “to look at or scope’’ models of healthcare on the East Coast.

The board of Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou had met with the PM and the poor health of residents on the Coast had been discussed, said Mr Raihania.

Mr Scott said the new-look health board was formed with the commitment of working with a cross- section of agencies to increase Maori life expectancy.

The board could not do it alone.

He hoped that members “sitting around here in another 10 or 15 years” would see a change in Maori life expectancy.

Brian Wilson said there had been some changes in life expectancy figures with the gap between Maori and Pakeha “closing a little”.

Unfortunately there was always “a lag’’. Change took time and it was frustrating, he said.

Mr Raihania asked what was the target with life expectancy.

He suggested that if “living better’’ was targeted, the outcome was “living longer’’.

“Living better is the key to the whole thing.’’

Other board members indicated agreement with Mr Raihania.

He referred to the life expectancy report before board members and a sentence that read “we are going to eliminate inequity in health in Tairawhiti’’.

That was a powerful statement, he said.,