We know that Māori do not experience the same health outcomes as non-Māori. We also know that health professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand do not always respond well to the  needs of Māori clients and their whānau.  Many of our health service structures, contracts  and designs reflect the priorities of the dominant culture rather than what's important for Māori.

This research was used to develop a theory to support health professionals to work effectively alongside whānau Māori in well-child/tamariki ora services. By increasing health professional and organisational cultural responsiveness, whānau will be more likely to engage with well-child/tamariki ora services in meaningful ways and ultimately, experience better health outcomes.

This  research was underpinned by Kaupapa Māori methodology and used constructivist grounded theory methods to collect and analyse data. It contributes to the limited knowledge that exists in relation to cultural responsiveness in health settings and support the practice development of  health professionals working alongside whānau Māori.
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