Gabrielle Baker

Guest writer

Gabrielle Baker (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kuri) is a consultant and former public servant. Her primary interest is in a pro-equity and anti-racist health system. She works with a range of organisations that are committed to achieving the same thing.

John Tamihere, chief executive of the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency. (Design: The Spinoff)

What’s behind the Whānau Ora overhaul?

The first changes in over a decade have created uncertainty for 600 kaimahi – what happens next?

By Gabrielle Baker | 11th March, 2025

Image: Tina Tiller

Te Aka Whai Ora deserved so much more than its rushed death

The Māori Health Authority was disestablished yesterday before it had barely gotten going. Gabrielle Baker reflects on what could have been.

By Gabrielle Baker | 29th February, 2024

Image: Bianca Cross

A landmark day for Māori health

The best thing I can do is to be thrilled about how far we have come. The worst thing I could do is think that the job is done.

By Gabrielle Baker | 4th July, 2022

Dr Ashley Bloomfield and Lil Anderson, CEO of the office for Māori Crown Relations, were among those who gave evidence at last week’s hearing. (Image: Archi Banal)

Where was te Tiriti in the government’s Covid response?

A recurring theme at last week’s urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing was the disconnect between Crown rhetoric and tangible action.

By Gabrielle Baker | 13th December, 2021

Auckland hospital. (Photo: Getty Images/Design: Tina Tiller)

Two major health announcements for Māori: the devil is in the details

The new kind of, sort of independent Māori Health Authority is still designed for ultimate power to sit with the Ministry of Health.

By Gabrielle Baker | 8th November, 2021

(Photo: Getty)

Health reforms for Māori: ‘I’m not ready to celebrate just yet’

It might be a step in the right direction for tino rangatiratanga, but we’ve been promised systemic change before.

By Gabrielle Baker | 22nd April, 2021

Illustration: Gabrielle Baker

Putting racism into words

Māori health advocate Gabrielle Baker looks at a new landmark survey that puts into words what so many Māori already know.

By Gabrielle Baker | 24th March, 2021

Māori health family children

Does the health and disability system review deliver for Māori?

The Health and Disability System Review released this week nearly gets it right, but still sets us up to fail, writes consultant and health advocate Gabrielle Baker.

By Gabrielle Baker | 19th June, 2020

Photo: Getty Images

Inequality in dental care is a Treaty issue

Gabrielle Baker went along to the Oral Health Equity Symposium to see how the best in New Zealand's dental sector are hoping to tackle inequities in New Zealand's oral healthcare.

By Gabrielle Baker | 7th October, 2019

Photo: Getty Images

Landmark findings on Māori health lay a clear challenge to the Crown

To anyone paying attention, the inequity embedded in the health system is undeniable. A new report from the Waitangi Tribunal lays that bare

By Gabrielle Baker | 2nd July, 2019