Opening Plenary

Abstract

While there have been signifi cant health gains in recent years, disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations remain unacceptably high. Levels of type II diabetes for example have reached serious proportions with increasing rates in young people. Treatment protocols play an important part in the alleviation of illnesses but should be seen as part of a wider spectrum of approaches. A framework for understanding and alleviating chronic illness among Maori places importance on the recognition of multiple causalities and consequential parallel interventions. Within the framework three broad principles have been recognised: integrated solutions, distinctive pathways, and goals that empower. An important theoretical platform has been the application of both Indigenous knowledge and medical science to health and a readiness by practitioners to work at the interface between the two systems.