Dr Rawiri Jansen Champions Science and Health Equity in National Discourse

On 28 July 2026, prominent Māori public health leader Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen issued a call to protect the integrity of scientific evidence in Aotearoa’s health system. Speaking with Radio Waatea, Dr Jansen emphasized that public confidence in healthcare relies on the ability of experts to speak freely and provide advice grounded in research rather than political ideology. The discussion follows a recent editorial in the New Zealand Medical Journal, which Dr Jansen co-authored alongside Dr Belinda Loring, Professor Papaarangi Reid, and Associate Professor Rhys Jones. The authors expressed concern that dismissing established health evidence as "ideology" could undermine decades of progress in addressing health disparities. Dr Jansen noted that evidence-based medicine should evolve through peer review and open debate, ensuring that health professionals can fulfill their ethical obligation to advocate for patient safety. A central focus of Dr Jansen’s advocacy is the protection of Māori health outcomes. He highlighted that decades of research consistently show Māori face significant inequities in areas such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and life expectancy. According to Dr Jansen, addressing these gaps requires targeted, evidence-informed approaches that recognize the unique barriers Māori encounter in the health system. He warned that moving away from these proven methods risks reversing hard-won gains in equity. The editorial also addressed concerns regarding ministerial influence over professional regulatory bodies, such as the Medical Council of New Zealand. Dr Jansen and his colleagues argue that maintaining the independence of these institutions is vital for protecting public safety and clinical standards. By championing the role of evidence-based policy, Dr Jansen continues to advocate for a health system that remains responsive to the needs of Māori and all populations experiencing disadvantage.