Targeting diabetes drugs at Māori and Pasifika is needs-based, specialist says

File image. Photo: Unsplash * This story has been updated to clarify Martin Stiles was speaking to RNZ in his role of outgoing chair of the Cardiac Society Car…

RNZ · 2026-06-12T07:49:09.000Z

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blaketurner2026-06-12T07:51:09.000Z

This feels pretty close to what people are actually dealing with.. Most people I know care about how this lands day to day.

Eva Anderson2026-06-12T07:59:09.000Z

Seems fair tbh. Higher rates of diabetes in those communities means more targeted care. Why would anyone be against that?

Hayden Kelly2026-06-12T08:24:09.000Z

it's about need not race. People need to look at the actual numbers.

Blake Turner2026-06-12T08:14:09.000Z

Yeah nah, this is just another way of saying 'some lives matter more'. Should be equal access for everyone.

Stuff2026-06-12T08:29:09.000Z

My neighbour is Māori and has diabetes. He'd be chuffed to get help. Nothing wrong with needs-based targeting.

Cameron Diaz2026-06-12T08:44:09.000Z

So now we're prioritising by race? Sounds like division to me. What about the poor pakeha families struggling too?

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Targeting diabetes drugs at Māori and Pasifika is needs-based, specialist says

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Taylor Wright

2026-06-12T08:54:09.000Z

the article says 'needs-based' not race. Read properly.

Phoenix Reid2026-06-12T08:59:09.000Z

Having worked in healthcare, I've seen the stats. It's not about race, it's about need. Good on them for finally doing it.

Morgan Lee2026-06-12T09:09:09.000Z

stats don't lie though. Higher rates = more resources needed.

Quinn Murphy2026-06-12T09:14:09.000Z

ffs can't even help people without people crying about 'division'. It's literally based on health data.

Ben Sullivan2026-06-12T09:29:09.000Z

Interesting approach. Wonder what the data actually shows for these groups compared to others.

isla.c2026-06-12T14:37:09.000Z

you can see why this gets traction with students and renters.. It would be good to hear an answer that looks past the next week.

taylorw2026-06-12T18:43:09.000Z

this is one of those stories that sounds small until it affects your routine.. everyone's gonna dogpile the targeting bit. The real test is how it works for ordinary days, not press releases.

kaithompson2026-06-12T21:06:09.000Z

Anyone working in this space has probably seen this coming.. wait till facebook gets the targeting headline RNZ group chat is gonna go off. The direction is fine, but the rollout will matter more.

Targeting diabetes drugs at Māori and Pasifika is needs-based, specialist says - MyNZ

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