Māori Health

The MRINZ is dedicated to contributing towards a more equitable society through its commitment to Te Ao Māori, the provisions and principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Wai 2575 Health Services and Outcomes Kaupapa Inquiry recommendations.

The MRINZ has a continued focus on Māori health guided by our ever-evolving Māori Health Strategy. This anchoring includes prioritising randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in health conditions that affect Māori, undertaking RCTs solely in Māori populations, conducting subgroup analyses focusing on Māori participants, training MRINZ staff in tikanga Māori and cultural safety and supporting Māori workforce development, including the MRINZ medical intern programme.

Improving health outcomes for Māori requires clinical practice based on evidence appropriately gathered from Māori communities. With a strong focus on equity and evidence-based action, the recruitment of Māori study participants into clinically and culturally suitable research trials at the MRINZ contributes to better knowledge and practice — and ultimately improved health outcomes for tangata whenua.

A series of landmark MRINZ studies tracing back 21 years to the institution’s establishment has determined the preferred treatment approach of common disorders which cause a substantive burden of disease for Māori. MRINZ-led studies undertaken in partnership with Māori communities have investigated novel treatments for smoking cessation, rehabilitation following stroke, parenteral feeding in critically ill patients, and asthma management. The findings have directly informed guidelines and management strategies for the treatment of common health conditions for Māori.