MDHB News

Public Health: Māori Health

Māori make up 15.3% of the population of the MidCentral District Health Board area and MidCentral Health, Public Health Service is committed to improving Māori health outcomes.

“Ko te pae tawhiti whaia kia tata, Ko te pae tata whakamaua kia tina".
Seek out the distant horizons, Cherish those you attain.

MidCentral Health’s Public Heath Service is committed to improving the overall health status of populations and reducing inequalities in health status. Capacity building in Māori Health is a key focus of public health service delivery, empowering Māori to have greater control over and input into their own health outcomes as recognised in National Health Strategy documents, and District Health Board Strategic directions.

Capacity building in Māori health requires:

An intersectorial approach
Strengthening public health providers through workforce development
Supporting the intrinsic role of Māori leadership within Māori communities and its ability to facilitate good health.
An understanding that Māori have broad aims and aspirations for their own health, which includes and incorporates culturally appropriate modes, methods and models of health promotion, health protection and health education. e.g. Te Whare Tapa Wha, Te Pae Mahutonga

The Public Health Service considers these factors, and Māori health needs, in all its work but also has involvement in projects and programmes specifically designed by and for Māori.

It works with schools, Māori organisations, health providers, iwi and other groups to encourage people to eat healthy food, get more exercise, quit smoking and protect themselves and their whanau from injury and alcohol and drug related harm.