Physiotherapy: Treaty of Waitangi, Maori Health, and Healthcare Delivery in New Zealand

Running head: PHYSIOTHERAPY 1
Physiotherapy
Name
Institution

PHYSIOTHERAPY 2
Physiotherapy
Part I: Treaty of Waitangi
A Brief History of the Treaty of Waitangi
Treaty of Waitangi is a treaty that the North Island-based Maori chiefs signed on behalf
of their subjects with the British Crown who had seized control over New Zealand. It was signed
on February 6, 1840 because the British colonists wanted the crown to take control of the Maori
people (Boulton, Tamehana & Brannelly, 2013). The treaty was signed in response of the
demand that had been made on Britain by the Maori leaders who were not interested in being
colonized by France which had, of course, expressed her interest in conquering the state of New
Zealand.
The treaty that has, up to date, remained a vital document determining the relationship
between the Maori people and the government of New Zealand, was mutually-beneficial because
it did not disadvantage the Maori people as such. Despite advocating for the creation of a
position of a Governor of New Zealand and categorizing the community as British subjects, the
treaty recognized the Maori people’s ownership over their resources including forests, and lands.
However, as time went by, the treaty began to be implemented. Soon, the British government
began taking the Maori land because they had lost control over it to the colonists who either
through legitimate purchases or unfair dealings. Over the years, the treaty has remained relevant
to the Maori people because, despite not being part of the New Zealand Municipal Law, the
treaty has been largely recognized as the founding document of New Zealand.
The Four Cornerstones of Maori health

PHYSIOTHERAPY 3
Maori, as an indigenous community, has its own unique cultural beliefs. When it comes to
health matters, Mari, just like any other indigenous community around the world, have certain
conservative and somewha superstituous beliefs which play a sinificant role in determining their
health perception and status. Having said this, it is important to acknolwedge that, as a
community, Maore has four cornerstones of health. These include tinana (physical well-being),
whanau (family well-being), wairua (spiritual well-being), and binengaro (mental well-being).
According to these cornerstones, the Maori people always look forward to acquiring holistic
care. holistic care, according to the community, encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual
health. at the same time, the Maori health cosiders the well-being of the family. Meaning, for one
to be satisfied with the care given, it must address each of these components. That is the kind of
care that is accommodative to the Maori people.
The three Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
The Treaty of Waitangi that was signed between the Maori community and the British
government was based on three main principles: 1) principle of partnership, 2) principle of
protection, and 3) principle of participation (Crocket, 2013). Each of these principles can be of
great significance if applied in healthcare delivery. According to the principle of participation,
the Maori people should have a voice or say on various matters that affect them. They should be
involved in the decision-making processes on the issues that affect them. The principle of
partnership, on the other hand, advocates for the adoption of collaborative approach between the
community members and other stakeholders. The principle can be applied in healthcare because
it can help in creating favorable working environment between the community members and the
healthcare sector. Meanwhile, the principle of protection advocates for the defense and safeguard
of the health of the Maori people (Winter, 2013). Meaning, despite its challenges, the community