Te Pāti Māori proposes $200m fund for Takatāpui commission
Wednesday 23 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story NZ First, Te Pāti Māori, Rawiri Waititi
Te Pāti Māori has announced plans to establish a Takatāpui commission to support rainbow community health and housing needs. The proposed initiative would involve significant investment to fund charities addressing mental health and education issues.
Key facts
3 facts
- Te Pāti Māori proposes a Takatāpui commission to address health, housing, and equity.
- The commission would be led by takatāpui people.
- A government ban on puberty blockers for new patients began in December 2025.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Te Pāti Māori has announced a policy to establish a Takatāpui commission and improve access to gender-affirming healthcare if elected. The party intends to invest $200 million to create this commission and support gender-affirming medical services.
The proposed commission would be led by takatāpui people and provide Whānau Ora-style funding for rainbow community health and housing needs. Funding would be allocated to charities and social services to address mental health, education, and support services.
Co-leader Rawiri Waititi stated the commission would be funded by reprioritising spending from Māori development, housing, and health budgets. He described the NZ First Definitions of Woman and Man Bill as “an attack on our whānau”.
The party also aims to ensure access to hormone therapy, such as puberty blockers, within the public system. This follows a government ban on puberty blockers for new patients that took effect in December 2025.
Where reports differ
- One report states the total investment is $200 million, while another specifies a $66 million annual cost for the commission.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Stuff.
