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                     Media Release 1 May 2007                         

ACC works with Te Matarau to help injured Maori

ACC and Te Matarau Ltd will sign a relationship agreement on Wednesday

2nd May during a ceremony in Tauranga. The agreement is part of ACC's

ongoing aim to ensure that Maori communities are taking full advantage

of the ACC scheme.

Te Matarau Ltd is a national collective of Maori Development

Organisations and Maori Health Provider Network. Te Matarau Ltd works

across a number of District Health Boards and also works closely with

the Ministry of Health in efforts to increase the quality of healthcare

for Maori.

ACC Director, Maori and Community Relations Hemi Toia, says this is the

fifth of six relationship agreements ACC is signing with key Maori

organisations.

"ACC is very pleased to have formed this connection with Te Matarau. Our

shared values in addressing healthcare issues within the Maori community

create a very strong foundation for this relationship."

"Our research shows that Maori don't use the support that's available

from ACC nearly enough. By working with Iwi organisations with an

existing role in the community we can make sure that Maori know what

they are able to get when they're hurt and therefore be able to recover

quickly and effectively."

Mr Toia says that the exchange of information of a strategic nature is

central to the relationship. "Through a number of hui across the country

we have found out from the people themselves what the key issues are.

There are certain barriers to Maori when accessing healthcare and we're

working to break those down, whether they be around perceived cost or

concerns with the appropriateness of treatment."

As a further measure to assist Maori using ACC services, and provide a

trusted human face in Maori communities, ACC will assist with the

appointment of Kaiawhina positions to organisations like Te Matarau.

They will be responsible for helping Maori with injuries find the

services they need from ACC, as well as raising awareness about ACC in

the community.

"These initiatives are all part of ACC 's new strategic direction,

focusing on people not processes, and ensuring that all New Zealanders

know how to get help from ACC," says Mr Toia.

 The launch of the relationship agreement with the Te Matarau Ltd, will

take place from 11.30am, Wednesday May 2 at Kingsview Hotel, Tauranga.

Media are invited to attend this event.