May 20, 2020
Weaving part of Maori maternity study
A Better Start E Tipu e Rea National Science Challenge is putting $1 million into research to address inequities in maternal health services for Māori.
Project leader Dr Waikaremoana Waitoki from the University of Waikato says many mothers and families have limited choices in the care they receive and need, and the health system has not prioritised Māori worldviews in the type of services offered.
While the traditional medical model has a vital place in maternity care, colonialization and racism has led to inequitable health outcomes.
She believes Māori will engage more with the system if it builds in Māori knowledge and approaches.
The Raranga project will be based in project sites in Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
It will also look at Te Whare Pora in Flaxmere, which is a hauora ‘clinic’ for pregnant women staffed by weavers, rather than health professionals.
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