This paper makes the point that health research should aim for equity and ensure that no one is left behind. The New Zealand Government considers that health research conducted in New Zealand should contribute to improving Māori health and eliminating health inequities. Increasingly, as recipients of government funding, researchers are obliged to demonstrate that they understand their delegated responsibilities in their research, making sure that the work has the potential to address Māori health needs and priorities. These requirements form the basis of responsiveness to Māori in health research, and several research institutions have implemented systems that support their organisational approach to this endeavour. However, as this paper acknowledges, many health researchers have a narrow view of responsiveness to Māori and how it might relate to their work. In this viewpoint, Papaarangi Reid and colleagues provide an overview of existing frameworks that is intended to be used to develop thinking and positioning in relation to the Treaty of Waitangi and responsiveness to Māori. They go on to describe an equity-based approach to responsiveness to Māori and highlight four key areas that require thoughtful reflection: (1) relevance to Māori; (2) Māori as participants; (3) promoting the Māori voice, and; (4) human tissue. The paper argues for greater engagement with responsiveness to Māori activities as part of an ongoing commitment amongst researchers to ensure equitable health outcomes.
