Enhancing connections : international medical graduates cultural orientation programmes in rural Māori communities : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology - Health Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Abstract

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) supply a significant proportion of the General Practitioners (GPs) in rural Aotearoa New Zealand. In Te Tai Tokerau Northland, these communities often consist of large Māori communities that have their own specific cultural realities that shape how we experience hauora (health). This thesis explores the experiences and worldviews of these two groups and how cultural orientation programmes shape medical interactions. I employ reflexive journalling along with semi-structured interviews, to document current IMG orientation practices from the perspective of IMGs and local Iwi leadership in the Hokianga. Participants are developed from Te Tai Tokerau with a focus on Hauora Hokianga, the local Māori health provider. A total of 7 participants were formally interviewed, consisting of 5 IMGs and 2 representatives of local Iwi. Key findings from this research indicate that IMGs need more time and educational support to integrate successfully into rural Māori communities. There is a desire within these locations to reconnect with traditional ways-of-being that encourage interconnectivity and promote health through decolonization. Developing cultural awareness education programmes through the guidance of local Iwi, helps to communicate the socio-cultural contexts that shape how the community experience hauora. The broader significance of my work is to further understand how the worldviews of two disparate groups can be bridged to improve health outcomes for rural Māori.