Paul Barber (BCA, MTh) is Policy Advisor with the NZ Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) and is involved with the networking, support, research and policy analysis for the social services of the churches. NZCCSS agencies work with those most impacted by socio-economic disadvantage and are responding to the associated health and social impacts on a daily basis. Through research and policy analysis NZCCSS works toward changes in national level policy in health, housing and social policy to reduce poverty and inequality based on sound research evidence, experience of effective social service practice and the principles of justice and compassion. The Closer Together Whakatata Mai – reducing inequalities programme is focused on the issue of income inequality in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the Pae Ora health reforms with you.
Since I was sacked by the Health Minister I have taken time to reflect on the experience and to make a considered assessment of what I learned in the process. My intention tonight is to share that with you, making the assumption that we share common ground in wanting to have an effective, efficient, excellent and equitable public health service.
If anyone does not want that, I don’t really have anything useful to share with you.