These researchers describe the Kaupapa Māori Action Research methods being used in the Māori Utilisation & Experience of Ischaemic Heart Disease Management project that intends to improve the health and well-being of Māori within the northern region of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The research processes and outcomes are informed by the application of `by Māori for Māori’ approaches to understanding Māori pathways and barriers to care for ischaemic heart disease. Māori understandings of their illness and experiences of treatment, and healthcare providers’ perspectives on care of Māori with ischaemic heart disease, have been combined into Māori-led actions to improve service provision. The paper examines critical factors in an action research approach to health service innovations and implications for efforts to reduce entrenched health disparities.
