Direct consultation with Mäori in order to clarify the importance of a health issue for Mäori in the light of a proposed research project can result in an additional and un-remunerated workload for Mäori researchers and organisations. Instead it is suggested that researchers use a 4 step procedure as follows. STEP 1. Literature search and review. Hauora and Our Health, Our Future are suggested as good starting points. Clinical colleagues, NZHIS and local DHB’s may be helpful in the absence of published work. STEP 2. Potential effective strategies for research can be determined by using a combination of published literature and consultation with peers or pre-existing networks with Mäori organisations. STEP 3. Identification of and relationship building with relevant end-user organisations. These organisations may be able to help with the development of research ideas, recruitment of participants, and dissemination of results, and working with them will help to ensure that the research is relevant and addresses their needs. STEP 4. Researchers must refer to any institutional codes of practice on the Treaty of Waitangi or Mäori responsiveness issues in research. If none exist, consideration should be given to developing them.
