Māori are the tangata whenua, the indigenous people, of New Zealand. They came here more than 1000 years ago from their mythical Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. Today, one in seven New Zealanders identify as Māori. Their history, language and traditions are central to New Zealand's identity.
Māori continue to have higher rates of obesity and diabetes, as well as of a range of other health conditions, than non-Māori. While the Māori smoking rate remains unchanged since 2006/07, it is still substantially higher than the rate for the total population.
Another key challenge is to improve access to health services for Māori adults and children. For example, Māori were more likely to report an unmet need for primary health care in the past year, for a number of reasons (including cost). The health sector needs to ensure that health services are accessible, appropriate and responsive to Māori.
Māori continue to have higher rates of obesity and diabetes, as well as of a range of other health conditions, than non-Māori. While the Māori smoking rate remains unchanged since 2006/07, it is still substantially higher than the rate for the total population.
Another key challenge is to improve access to health services for Māori adults and children. For example, Māori were more likely to report an unmet need for primary health care in the past year, for a number of reasons (including cost). The health sector needs to ensure that health services are accessible, appropriate and responsive to Māori.