We are a unique organisation representing Māori medical students and medical practitioners working as specialists, clinicians, researchers and teachers. We currently have over 250 Māori students and medical practitioners registered with us.

Aims

• promote and protect the health of Māori people
• assist Māori medical practitioners in their efforts to advance Māori health
• facilitate closer links between Māori medical practitioners and other national, professional and community groups.

Te ORA recognises and promotes health as a taonga (treasure) whose protection is guaranteed by the Treaty of Waitangi.

Professional Initiatives

• provide a supportive network for Māori medical practitioners
• facilitate the exchange of views and information among Māori medical practitioners
• foster collegial relationships
• establish links with other related professional bodies, including other indigenous medical and health organisations

Medical Education

• promote the recruitment and retention of Māori medical students
• provide advice on strategies for increasing Māori entry into all levels of medical education and the development of an expanded Māori medical workforce
• provide guidance on the curriculum for undergraduate and postgraduate medical education
• assist members to obtain the skills and competencies that will enable them to actively participate in Māori society

Te Wheke Alliance

Te ORA is proud to be a member of the Te Wheke Alliance which is an active and strategic relationship between Te ORA and Ngā Ngaru Hauora o Aotearoa  (The National Māori  Health Providers Association), Te Kaunihera o Ngā Neehi Māori o Aotearoa (National Council of Māori  Nurses) and Ngā Maia Midwives Collective.

Te Reo and Tikanga Training

Te ORA has established funding to support members to undertake Te Reo Māori (Māori language) and tikanga (Māori customs) training. These were identified as key skills required to be an effective Māori doctor in the report commissioned by Te ORA, 'Kokiritia: An analysis of Māori doctors' training needs' (Baxter, 2001).

Te Oranga

Te Oranga is the Māori Medical Student's Association, representing students from Year 1 to Year 6. Te Oranga works in collaboration with Te ORA to mentor and support Maōri medical students.

Email: teoranga@teora.maori.nz