This Kaupapa Māori qualitative study investigated success factors and barriers to Māori public health practitioners who have worked in mainstream public health units for at least 5 years. The study found that all participants were experiencing and/or had observed restrictions on Kaupapa Māori practice and cultural freedom in the workplace. Lack of value was placed on mātauranga Māori, Kaupapa Māori practice and te ao Māori worldview. Inconsistent practice was observed in relation to hiring for positions requiring te ao Māori knowledge. Resourcing for professional development or for Māori projects has generally not been prioritised, and institutional barriers or institutional racism has been present within these decisions. The study author concluded that solutions mitigating the perpetuation of environments less suitable to Māori success are needed, ideally solutions that prevent damaging situations or environments from existing in the first place.
