Ep31: Ngā Kaitiaki Hauora

'Ngā Kaitiaki Hauora' translates as 'guardians of health'. This podcast emerged from a meeting near Auckland organised by the RACP's Māori Health Committee in November 2017. Members of various medical colleges and institutions came together to share perspectives on the delivery of health care to New Zealand's population of Māori and Pacific Islander people. This conversation comes in the context of the Wai 262 claim, which is forcing a re-examination of the Crown's obligations to the Māori population under the Waitangi Treaty of 1840.

On this episode, Reverend Hirini Kaa proposes that all institutions of civil society must be committed to recognising Indigenous sovereignty not just over land, but also the natural environment, the language, and cultural practices. GP Dr Peter Jansen and oncologist Dr George Laking describe the variation in medical care that Māori and Pacific Islander patients receive on a day to day basis, and how this can emerge in part through cultural 'mismatches'. And public health physician Dr Elana Curtis describes the successes and future targets of streaming Māori and Pacific Islander students into medical school.

Guests
Dr Peter Jansen FNZCGP FRACMA (Ngāti Raukawa, Mauri Ora Associates, Accident Compensation Corporation)
Dr George Laking FRACP (Te Whakatōhea, Auckland City Hospital)
Dr Elana Curtis AFPHM (Ngāti Rongomai, Ngāti Pikiao, University of Auckland)
Rev Hirini Kaa (Ngāti Porou, Ngati Kahungunu, University of Auckland)
Mr Chayce Glass (Tumuaki, University of Otago).
Commemoration to Matua Leo Buchanan given by Dr Tuwhakairiora Williams.

Production
Written and produced by Mic Cavazzini. Music courtesy of Jason Shaw ('Autumn Sunset'), Doctor Turtle ('Making a Change') and Broke For Free ('Feel Good Instrumental'). Image of the Te Whare Tapa Whā health model by Sir Mason Durie, provided courtesy of NZ Ministry of Health: Manatū Hauora. The production manager was Anne Fredrickson.

Editorial feedback for this episode was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Katrina Gibson and Dr George Laking and RACP staff Ms Harriet Wild, Ms Nicola Fowler, and Dr Cristiana Palmieri.

Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.