February 03, 2022
Health care springing from two sources
An eastern Bay of Plenty medical practice is encouraging the use of both traditional Māori and western medical practices to deliver care.
Te Puna Ora o Mataatua raukura chief advisor Haromi Williams says there’s a shortge of doctors in the region, but like all Māori in rural communities, there is also a lot of resiliance.
The practise is guided by the kaupapa of pākehā solutions for pakeha illnesses and Māori solutions for Māori illnesses.
“Because we have healing centres here in the rohe, we are making sure they are part of the solution, rather than just depending on one system,”
Haromi Williams says rather than expect every patient to come into the clinic, the doctors also spend a lot of time working out in the community.