Previous research has found that using a Mäori standard population to age-standardise data is a better match for Mäori health priorities than Segi’s or the WHO world population standards. This study evaluated the Mäori age standard in comparison with Segi’s and WHO world with regard to health data for the New Zealand Pacific population. In comparison to Segi’s or WHO, the New Zealand Pacific population is young, and has a similar age structure to that of Mäori. Using Segi’s or WHO with Pacific health data had impacts on both morbidity and mortality rates. Rates of conditions associated with older age were increased, whereas those associated with younger age were decreased. Using these measures also resulted in reductions in mortality ratios and hospitalisations asso-ciated with older age groups. The use of the Mäori standard was a more accurate match with regard to Pacific health priorities.
