Exploring Maori Healthcare Models in Relation to New Zealand's System

This essay provides a comparative analysis of Maori healthcare models, specifically Whare Tapa Wha and Te Pae Mahutoka, with the mainstream health system of New Zealand. The Maori models emphasize a holistic approach to health, incorporating spiritual, emotional, physical, and social dimen...Read More

Running head ealth sychology: H P
Health Psychology

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Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................2
Main Ideas of Two Maori Healthcare Models.............................................................................................2
Mainstream Health System Model of New Zealand....................................................................................3
Comparison of the Maori health models with that of New Zealand.............................................................3
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................3
References...................................................................................................................................................4

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Introduction
The philosophy of Maori community, the native people of New Zealand, towards health is based
upon a health model pertaining to holistic and wellness approach. Their ideology towards the
major deficiency of contemporary health services is taha wairua i.e. spiritual dimension. So, in
this article, the ideologies of the Maori culture towards their two health care models would be
compared and contrasted to the mainstream health system models of New Zealand. It would be
concluded with a comment of its personal and professional significance.
Main Ideas of Two Maori Healthcare Models
Maoris prefer to use a holistic approach towards health which is known as Whare Tapa Wha i.e.
four cornerstones of health. The four dimensions are taha hinekaro i.e. emotional, taha tinana i.e.
physical, taha whanau i.e. social and finally taha wairua i.e spiritual. Through this model, the
components of type 2 diabetes can be determined. These are placed on an immediate and
underlying cause which emphasizes on the social-economic causes of the disease.
Another healthcare model is Te Pae Mahutoka which was developed on the basis of a South
Cross star constellation. Thus the four dimensions of a healthy Maori community can be
explained as Waiora, Mauriora, Te Oraka and Toiora (WHO and the Ministry of Health, New
Zealand, 2012).

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Mainstream Health System Model of New Zealand
As per Rata & Zubaran (2016) the term clinical integration is used to describe the principle
means to improve the capability to address the problems of health and safeguard the health and
wellbeing of the senior citizens of society. The Health system of New Zealand is based upon the
service delivery model through which a large and complex network of organizations and human
resources play an important role in contributing to healthier lives at the national, local and
regional levels.
Comparison of the Maori health models with that of New Zealand
Thus, the health system of New Zealand is based upon a set of rules of conduct which form the
basis of moral values while the health system of Maori is based upon the ethics of being rather
than doing. The Maori health system is focused on what the health workers need to be rather than
what actions do they take. So, these systems emphasize the character traits which enable these
workers to excel.
The health system of New Zealand is dependent upon the capability of the organizations to learn
from the experience in the context of advocacy for using the past events for influencing the
decision making and management (Health Quality & Safety Commission, 2015).
Conclusion
This article can be concluded by stating the fact that the personal and professional implications
of the health system of New Zealand can be enhanced choice and accessibility of the health

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systems which are effective and affordable for the citizens of New Zealand.They instigate
efficiency and innovation in the delivery of healthcare systems (Pegasus, 2014).
References
Health Quality & Safety Commission (2015) A Window on the Quality of New Zealand’s Health
Care . New Zealand: Health Quality & Safety Commission.
Pegasus(2014). New Zealand’s Health Care System. Retrieved August 5th , 2018 from
https://www.pegasus.health.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/NZ-Health-
System-booklet-English.pdf
Rata, E. & Zubaran, C.(2016). Ethnic Classification in the New Zealand Health Care System.
Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, 41,192–209.
WHO and the Ministry of Health, New Zealand(2012). Health Service Delivery Profile New
Zealand 2012. Retrieved August 5th , 2018 from
http://www.wpro.who.int/health_services/service_delivery_profile_new_zeal
and.pdf