Dr Matthew Wheeler Urges Evidence-Led Approach to Māori and Pacific Medical Admissions

In a report published on Monday, 14 September 2026, senior Māori health academic and clinician Dr Matthew Wheeler has called for the debate regarding Māori and Pacific medical school admissions to be centered on evidence rather than political rhetoric. Dr Wheeler, a leading haematologist, argues that targeted entry pathways are essential tools for building a health workforce capable of addressing generations of health inequity in Aotearoa. The discussion focuses on programs such as the University of Auckland’s Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS). According to Waatea News, Dr Wheeler emphasizes that decisions about these pathways should be driven by workforce needs and health outcomes. He suggests that the evidence must account for where graduates choose to practice and how they contribute to underserved communities, particularly as Māori remain underrepresented in many areas of the health sector. While the Government has conducted a review of MAPAS, the findings currently remain behind closed doors. This lack of transparency has led to calls for greater clarity as Election 2026 approaches. Dr Wheeler’s position is that if these targeted pathways successfully produce qualified doctors and increase representation in a way that meets unmet health needs, these positive outcomes must be the primary consideration for their future. Advocates for workforce diversity, including Dr Wheeler, maintain that while academic standards are vital, the purpose of medical training is to produce a workforce that meets the specific needs of the population. By strengthening the Māori health workforce, supporters believe the health system can foster stronger connections with communities and improve access to care. As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring the future medical workforce is equipped to deliver better outcomes for every community across the country.