A health expert is calling a Hawke's Bay scheme targeting services for young Māori and Pacific people lazy virtue signalling.   

Health NZ in Hawke's Bay has amended the two-year scheme, which used to provide free GP and nurse services to all residents aged 14 to 24.   

From this month, young people must meet one-of-four criteria —including being Māori or Pacific— to be eligible for the scheme.  

Auckland University Emeritus Professor of Medicine Des Gorman told Mike Hosking it means they take priority over other young people.  

He says resources should be targeted on an individual basis. 

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