The Health Equity project is committed to addressing the significant inequities in Mōri health outcomes and the challenges that Māori face in accessing healthcare services in Aotearoa New Zealand. These include our research areas of a) barriers to kidney transplantation, b) pregnancy services, SUDI prevention and smoking cessation during pregnancy, c) Indigenised mental health programmes and the d) prevention of chronic conditions such as diabetes. By centering the unique experiences and perspectives of Māori communities, this project strives to build a more equitable healthcare system that meets the needs of Indigenous populations.
Our research engages directly with pregnant women, renal patinets and kidney donors, and healthcare professionals to identify cultural, social, and systemic factors impacting health outcomes. Through this work, we have uncovered key barriers, such as institutional racism, poor communication, and a lack of culturally responsive care, all of which contribute to the health disparities experienced by Māori.
By developing targeted strategies and evidence-based recommendations, the Health Equity project is actively working to improve healthcare access and quality for Māori. These insights are already influencing policy and clinical practices, fostering a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment.
Our ongoing work within Health Equity not only aims to improve outcomes for Māori across multiple health areas but also provides valuable guidance for advancing healthcare equity for other Indigenous and minority communities worldwide.
The Health Equity research papers offer valuable insights into the challenges and experiences of Indigenous Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a particular focus on healthcare and social services. These papers encompass topics within Whakamana (renal), Mahi a Atua, (mental health) Te Whare Pora o Hine-te-iwaiwa (pregnancy and SUDI prevention), and the Diabetes PIP study. Each paper delves into systemic barriers, cultural perspectives, and pathways toward equitable solutions. Explore the links below to read the full papers and gain a deeper understanding of how these findings contribute to enhancing Māori health and wellbeing.
This paper explores the Mahi a Atua programme, a culturally grounded approach that integrates Māori cultural perspectives into mental health treatment, addressing inequities for Māori communities. It examines the use of pūrākau (creation narratives) as a therapeutic tool to support healing and resilience.
Te Mahi a Atua is a kaupapa Māori approach to mental health that uses traditional Māori creation stories (pūrākau) as a foundation for therapy. This method allows individuals and their whānau to explore mental health issues through a culturally meaningful lens. It fosters self-determination, strengthens whānau connections, and offers a de-medicalised healing approach.
This review highlights the need for culturally responsive smoking cessation programmes that support self-agency, peer networks, and address social influences on smoking.
This study explores the experiences of patients, mostly Māori and Pacific, who use community house haemodialysis. It highlights the benefits of this independent dialysis model, which improves patient quality of life by offering flexibility and fostering community support.
This review examines the experiences of Indigenous peoples with kidney transplantation, identifying cultural barriers and the need for culturally competent care. It emphasises the importance of culturally safe and equitable transplantation services.
This study explores the challenges faced by rural and remote patients with chronic kidney disease, such as emotional strain and financial burdens. It highlights the need for healthcare solutions that address these geographic and social challenges.
This study reveals the impact of racism on Māori during the kidney transplantation process. It identifies institutional, personally mediated, and internalised racism, and calls for reforms to ensure culturally respectful and equitable care for Māori.
This study examines Māori experiences with kidney transplantation, highlighting systemic barriers, including racism and poor healthcare communication, and the need for culturally responsive care.
This study examines Māori experiences with kidney transplantation, highlighting systemic barriers, including racism, poor healthcare communication, and access inequities. It explores cultural values, donor hesitancy, and the impact of social determinants on transplant access.