HiNZ eHealthNews editor Rebecca McBeth

Hira is a te reo Māori word that was chosen because it means "to have a significant bearing on future events" or "to have a widespread effect".

This reflects the important role Hira will play in laying the foundation for a digitally enabled health and disability system that is people-centred, accessible, joined up and responsive to the needs of all New Zealanders.

To ensure Hira helps improve Māori health outcomes and targets equity challenges, Hira will be co-designed with Māori in a way that embraces te ao Māori ideals and practices.

Article published by HiNZ. To read the full article go to the HiNZ website.