Story perspectives

Health Minister Axes Maori Health Chairs, Cuts $48.5 M

6/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Health Minister Simeon Brown refused to re-appoint Dr Rachelle Love as chair and Simon Watt as deputy.
Simeon Brown said the council was “increasingly distracted by politics” and must focus on patients.
Labour’s Sarah Dalton, Dr Ayesha Verrall and Green’s Huhana Lyndon called the move overreach that threatens regulator independence.
Budget 2026 removes $48.5 million from Hauora Maori services, including $25 million for Immunising our Tamariki, leaving an $11.5 million deficit.

1 of 1

Story summary

Health Minister Simeon Brown refused to re-appoint Dr Rachelle Love as chair and Simon Watt as deputy.
Simeon Brown said the council was “increasingly distracted by politics” and must focus on patients.
Labour’s Sarah Dalton, Dr Ayesha Verrall and Green’s Huhana Lyndon called the move overreach that threatens regulator independence.
Budget 2026 removes $48.5 million from Hauora Maori services, including $25 million for Immunising our Tamariki, leaving an $11.5 million deficit.