Marlborough Maori experience in accessing mental health services via primary health care : an exploratory study : Te Kura Hinengaro Tangata, School of Psychology, Massey University, Turitea, Palmerston North, February 2007, thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

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2007
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Massey University
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National and Maori health policy: A background The New Zealand government has clearly recognised the disparities between Maori and non-Maori health (Te Puni Kokiri, 2000a; Te Puni Kokiri, 2000b; Ministry of Health, 2002a). This has contributed towards a number of health strategies and policy development designed to improve Maori health. The New Zealand Health Strategy (2000) is the government's overarching health strategy, which acknowledges a special relationship between Maori and the Crown under the Treaty of Waitangi. It identifies Maori health as one of its key priorities and several subsidiary strategies have been launched to assist meet its national objectives for achieving Maori health gain. Four subsidiary strategies play a pivotal role in terms of Maori mental wellbeing. The key objectives outlined in He Korowai Oranga - The Maori Health Strategy (2002) are to improve access to appropriate services for Maori, improve Maori health outcomes and support Maori health provider development. Te Puawaitanga Maori Mental Health National Strategic Framework (2002b) suggests that opportunities need to be maximised for intra and intersectoral co-operation. These include objectives to improve training for General Practitioners and other health workers providing primary health care to Maori tangata whaiora (users of mental health services), with a focus on depression, anxiety, youth suicide and addictions. The Primary Health Care Strategy (2001) aims to build a strong primary health care system that will improve the health of all New Zealanders and in particular will focus on reducing inequalities in health. Te Tahuhu - The Second New Zealand Mental Health and Addiction Plan (2005) has, as one of its ten challenges, a stronger emphasis on primary health care. This challenge aims towards "building and strengthening the capability of the primary health care sector to promote mental health and wellbeing for tangata whaiora", and for the New Zealand health system to "continue to broaden the range, quality and choice of mental health and addiction services accessible for Maori", (p. 13,14). [From Introduction]
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Maori (New Zealand people), Marlborough District New Zealand, Mental health services, Primary health care, Māori Masters Thesis
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