History

Māori have on average the poorest health outcomes of any ethnic group in Aotearoa/New Zealand. 

Inequalities in Māori health outcomes and individual risk and protective factors should be considered within the context of broader determinants of health. These determinants include the distribution of and access to resources, institutional racism and historical influences.

Under the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi, the Government has an obligation to reduce health inequalities for tangata whenua.

 

Read Te Tiriti in Māori or English

It’s now common to talk about the principles of Te Tiriti, rather than focus on the meaning, which is still debated.

Government health policies are underpinned by three principles:

Partnership: Working together with iwi, hapū, whānau and Māori communities to develop strategies for Māori health gain and appropriate health and disability services.

Participation: Involving Māori at all levels of the sector, in decision-making, planning, development and delivery of health and disability services.

Protection: Working to ensure Māori have at least the same level of health as non-Māori, and safeguarding Māori cultural concepts, values and practices.

These principles have driven the delivery of health services to tāngata whaiora (people seeking wellness) and are well embedded in the health system.