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Rurality, deprivation and ethnicity in New Zealand: population distributions and intersecting impacts on mortality

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From Māori Health Review Issue 120
Authors:
  • Davie G et al.
Summary:

Rural-urban disparities in mortality in younger age groups cannot be explained by ethnicity or socioeconomic deprivation, according to a New Zealand study using 2018 Census and national mortality data. For Māori and non-Māori aged 45-59 years, higher rates of mortality for rural compared with urban residents were attenuated after adjustment for socioeconomic deprivation. However, in those aged <45 years, disparities in mortality remained – the adjusted ratio for amendable mortality was 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.131.41) in Māori and 1.46 (95% CI 1.33-1.59) in non-Māori.

Comment:
The implication here is that something deeper within how services are designed and delivered in rural Aotearoa is failing communities, and unless health policy confronts these structural gaps directly, inequities will continue to be reproduced.
Reference: Aust J Rural Health. 2026;34(1):e70146. 
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

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