The Cancer Society along with more than a dozen health non-governmental organisations have penned an open letter urging National and Act leaders to rethink their plans to scrap the Māori Health Authority.
Christopher Luxon and David Seymour have said they do not support the Authority and would get rid of it if they won next year's election - saying it's another layer of bureaucracy and won't deliver results.
The open letter states the Authority's establishment is central to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and will help ensure everyone has the same access to good health outcomes.
Dr George Laking told Māni Dunlop the Authority would be a positive development for Māori health.
