Integrating Māori Worldviews with Health Economic Evaluation
Putting kaupapa Māori at the centre of health investment
Standard health‑economic models count dollars and disease; this report counts what really matters to iwi and whānau – mana, mauri, wairua, whakapapa, and collective strength. Commissioned by Manatū Hauora, it shows how a bicultural evaluation lens can channel resources where they uplift Māori wellbeing and deliver better returns for everyone.
Why it matters
Health is holistic: tinana, hinengaro, wairua, whānau, and taiao are inseparable in te ao Māori.
Conventional cost‑effectiveness studies miss vital gains such as cultural continuity, whānau cohesion, and the preservation of mana and mauri.
Kaupapa Māori initiatives already cut hospital admissions and strengthen community resilience in one move.
Aligning evaluation with Māori values is both a Treaty obligation and a smarter way to allocate scarce health pūtea.
Inside the report
The problem — why narrow metrics perpetuate inequity.
Three practical options — Māori wellbeing indicators, SROI/MCDA frameworks, and genuine co‑design, with clear pros and cons.
Implementation guidance — resources, partnership, and phased roll‑out to embed change.
Who should read
Iwi and Māori health providers, funders, policymakers, and anyone serious about pae ora for future generations.