These researchers reviewed 12 public health strategies and plans published on the Ministry of Health database between 2006 and 2016, in which the Crown discourses referred to text from either te Tiriti o Waitangi or the Treaty of Waitangi. Crown discourses were categorised as i) rhetorical (i.e. naming Treaty principles), ii) aspirational statements around health inequities, iii) practical actions towards implementing the Treaty, and/or iv) addressed substantive issues of relationships, Treaty obligations, Māori involvement in decision-making and service delivery. The findings confirm that public health strategies rarely address Treaty obligations. As the article states, this silence is inconsistent with legislative requirements to engage with the Treaty and health equity and is likely to inform health-related Waitangi Tribunal claims. The researchers call for further work to strengthen alignment of health policy to fulfil Crown Treaty obligations.
