In an earlier paper (TeApatu et al., 2014) it was argued that researching issues of interest to Maori or
indigenous populations must be relevant and culturally sensitive. In subsequent papers (TeApatu et
al., 2015a, 2015b), using an appropriate methodology and based on the first round of interviews, a
clear meaning of “kaiawhina” emerged. Additional funds are being sought to take this research to the
next level.
In this paper, we attempt to tease out issues due to cultural differences in a multi-cultural society,
such as New Zealand, with its dominant Pakeha (Western white people) culture, providing a framework for health, social, housing, transport, and environmental policies. We achieved this through exploring the link between “kaiawhina” and health.