Understanding how whanau-centred initiatives can improve Maori health in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This article highlights the significance of prioritizing Indigenous voices and knowledge systems, using whanau-centred initiatives (a concept that encompasses the broader family and community) as a foundation for health promotion within an Indigenous context. Tu Kahikatea, a conceptual framework, is used to demonstrate the relationship between the values underpinning different whanau-centred initiatives and their corresponding outcomes. The framework highlights the capacity of whanau-centred initiatives to support whanau in attaining mana motuhake, which represents collective self-determination and the ability to exercise control over their own future. By doing so, these initiatives contribute to the improvement of whanau health outcomes. With recent changes to Aotearoa New Zealand's health system, the findings underscore the benefits and potential of whanau-centred initiatives in enhancing whanau health outcomes, and advocate for continued strengths-based practices in Aotearoa New Zealand's health system. By bridging the gap between academia and grassroots community action, the article demonstrates the potential of whanau-centred initiatives and contributes to a global call for integrating Indigenous viewpoints and practices into Westernized healthcare, in order to improve Indigenous health outcomes.

Achieving Our Moemoea: Community-Led Food Security Strategy Development.

The Manawatu Food Action Network (MFAN) is a collective of social service and environmental organizations and community stakeholders that work together to promote collaboration, education and awareness of issues surrounding food security, food resilience, and localization in the local community. In 2021, the 4412 neighborhood was identified as requiring urgent assistance, with approximately one third of residents experiencing food insecurity. The 4412 Kai Resilience Strategy was developed with the community to move from food insecurity to food resilience and sovereignty. Recognizing that food security is complex and based on multiple causes, six interwoven workstreams were identified to create a multifaceted, coordinated strategy. This includes education, food economy, community, food support, mara kai, and social enterprise. The strategy cultivates local ownership and commitment to change. It creates a broader constituency of support, balancing the urgent need to feed people today with the long-term need to change systems through step-change initiatives. Through this approach, communities can better make sustainable and meaningful changes to their lives and circumstances rather than relying on external resources.

A tangata whenua (people of the land) approach to conceptualising Maori health and wellbeing.

From a Maori (Indigenous to New Zealand) perspective, health is not confined to the treatment of illness but also includes the philosophical concepts, structures and cultural practices which reinforce health and wellbeing. The ill-health of Maori is often the focus of health initiatives, particularly if there is an equity approach that centres on disparities between ethnic groups. However, an Indigenous approach prioritises health and wellbeing aspirations through strengthening self-determination, identity and connection with the environment. This article synthesises knowledge from Indigenous and Maori rights, matauranga (Maori ways of knowing) expressed in purakau (epistemological narratives), tikanga (Maori principles), te reo (Maori language) and lived experience to reflect a shared understanding of Maori health and wellbeing. Consideration is given to the status of Maori pre-colonisation, the ongoing impacts of colonisation, and Maori led responses to contemporary health issues. It is proposed that health for Maori, like many Indigenous peoples, should be informed by an enhanced understanding of Indigenous rights, an Indigenous worldview and notions of wellbeing. We argue that a tangata whenua (people of the land) approach is integral to the effectiveness of health policies and initiatives aimed at improving Maori outcomes sustainably. We propose that the current reorganisation of Aotearoa New Zealand's health system, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic response, provide opportunities to emphasise and embed Maori health leadership and knowledge, as well as a tangata whenua conceptualisation of health and wellbeing.

Waka ama: An exemplar of indigenous health promotion in Aotearoa New Zealand.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: The use of old-style, top-down health education and awareness programmes in Aotearoa New Zealand, which adopt a single issue-based approach to health promotion, primarily ignores a broad approach to social determinants of health, as well as indigenous Maori understandings of wellbeing. METHODS: This paper draws on the indigenous framework Te Pae Mahutonga as a guide for presenting narratives collated from members of a waka ama ropu (group) who were interviewed about the social, cultural and health benefits of waka ama. RESULTS: This waka ama case study is an exemplar of community-led health promotion within an indigenous context, where Maori values and practices, such as whanaungatanga (the process of forming and maintaining relationships), manaakitanga (generosity and caring for others) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship), are foundational. The findings highlight the multiple benefits of engagement in waka ama and illustrate effective techniques for enhancing wellbeing within local communities. CONCLUSION: At a time when Aotearoa New Zealand is seeing a decreasing trend in physical activity levels and an increase in mental health challenges, waka ama provides us with an exemplar of ways to increase health and wellbeing within our communities. SO WHAT?: The findings of this research contribute to the evidence base of effective indigenous health promotion, bridging the gap between academia and local community action. To better recognise, comprehend and improve indigenous health and wellbeing, we argue that active participation of people in the community is required to achieve long-term and revolutionary change.

Waiora: Connecting People, Well-Being, and Environment Through Waka Ama in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Waka ama is unique as a sport because, as well as the physical benefits for paddlers, it also creates opportunities for participants to experience and connect with the natural environment. This research draws on interviews with waka ama paddlers in Aotearoa New Zealand to illustrate how the well-being of the environment connects to the spiritual, cultural, and physical health of people. Results highlight the multifaceted benefits of participating in waka ama. As well as the physical benefits for paddlers, waka ama also has a strong tikanga, which encourages language revitalization with the use of te reo Maori through karakia, waiata, and the general terms used associated with waka. It also creates opportunities for participants to experience and connect with the natural environment and improve their health. The knowledge gained from participants provide evidence of effective ways to improve health and well-being within communities with a particular focus on waiora, the spiritual connection between hauora and the environment.

Rangatahi Tu Rangatira: innovative health promotion in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Rangatahi Tu Rangatira (R2R) is a national health promotion programme in Aotearoa New Zealand which aims to promote cultural and physical wellbeing for rangatahi (young people) and their whanau (family). Grounded in tikanga Maori, the programme focuses on total wellbeing, leadership and cultural awareness providing rangatahi opportunities to increase their participation in physical activity and cultural knowledge through nga taonga takaro (Maori ancestral games). This paper focuses on an evaluation of this innovative health promotion programme focussing on the delivery of R2R by a local iwi provider in a rural area. Kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) interviews and focus groups were used to collect data from a range of stakeholders including rangatahi, whanau, programme developers, and collaborating community organizations. A whanau ora (holistic) framework incorporating five core outcomes and key indicators specific to the programme was developed to assess the impact of delivery. Results demonstrated that rangatahi and their whanau were living healthier lifestyles through being more physically active; had gained an increased desire to succeed in their education and extra curriculum activities; and felt more connected to their community and te ao Maori. This demonstrates the importance of incorporating cultural elements to support improved lifestyle changes for rangatahi and their whanau and the connection between enhanced cultural identity and good health.