It has been reported that a number of Wellington DHBs are now prioritising Māori and Pacifica on the elective surgery waiting lists.

In fact, Tauranga DHB made this commitment earlier this year and other DHBs are considering a similar move ... no doubt from political pressure.

96. Shane Reti, National's Spokesperson for Māori Health, said it was important to address inequity, however decisions should be made on clinical urgency, not ethnic background.

Full kudos to him for stating what I assume is the opinion of most other New Zealanders of different ethnicity.

Ian Lucas, Welcome Bay.