Upholding Te Tiriti, ending institutional racism and Crown inaction on health equity

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Came H et al.

February 11, 2019

Summary:

This article acknowledges the institutional racism that pervades the New Zealand health system and proposes ways in which this problem can be effectively addressed and eradicated. The authors emphasise that institutional racism is a key determinant of health inequalities. They appeal to the Crown, which has the power to uphold the responsibilities of te Tiriti o Waitangi within the health sector and they call for the government to take action to end racism in New Zealand’s health system. This action can be undertaken in the form of planned, systems-based approaches, such as those that are currently being applied to child poverty and gender pay inequity. The authors believe that such action will end institutional racism against Māori and contribute to health equity.

Comment:

It is wonderful to see that ‘equity’ is a priority in Aotearoa’s health strategies, and the re-establishment of the Māori Health Directorate within the Ministry. However, further action is required, as these authors suggest. A couple of great resources that may be of interest to readers working in this area include a critique of our government’s performance in racial discrimination reported by a UN Committee in 2017 and an overview of the evidence linking the primary domains of racism – structural racism, cultural racism, and individual-level discrimination – to mental and physical health outcomes.

Reference: N Z Med J 2019;132(1492):61-6

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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