While Māori households have 25% less per-capita expenditure than non-Māori households, they spend relatively more on tobacco and alcohol, and less on healthcare. These were the findings of three nationally representative household economic surveys undertaken between 2006 and 2013, involving 9030 participants. Differences between Māori and non-Māori in household ownership, education, and income negatively affected consumption of tobacco and alcohol. The household head’s age, education, and employment status had the biggest impact. The study authors suggested that interventions targeting education and employment, that significantly increase household budget, may help narrow the gaps.
