Health Services & Departments

As a population group, Maori have on average the poorest health status of any ethnic group in New Zealand. This is not acceptable, and the Government and the Ministry of Health have made it a key priority to reduce the health inequalities that affect Maori. If Maori are to live longer, have healthier lives, and fulfil their potential to participate in New Zealand society, then the factors that cause inequalities in health need to be addressed.

Traditionally Maori were an auahi kore / smokefree culture. Auahi Kore works to change attitudes towards smoking, encourage Maori to either stop smoking or not to start and to reclaim this smokefree status.