Maori Health
Improving Māori health requires coordinated action by a range of individuals and governmental and nongovernmental agencies, and a reorientation of policies, systems and institutions across New Zealand society.
The courses for this specialisation in the public health programme emphasise an approach to Māori health that is evidence-based, affirms Māori rights, and is centred on a critical analysis of ethnic inequalities in health.
Studying alongside leading researchers in this area you will gain advanced knowledge and understanding of Māori aspirations and perspectives and Māori models of health and wellbeing. You will develop an overview of the politics of health for Māori and will consider such issues as the gaps in the health status between Māori and non-Māori, a thorough understanding of which is vital to Māori health initiatives.
In addition, these postgraduate courses not only deliver an advanced understanding of theoretical and clinical approaches towards improved Māori health, but also offer you the opportunity to integrate your current knowledge and experience and to have this recognised.
You can also conduct postgraduate level research in this subject at the University’s Liggins Institute.

Pacific Health
Pacific Health examines health issues faced by the Pacific population in both the Pacific region and New Zealand. Courses are designed to increase knowledge and understanding of the issues around Pacific health and barriers such as access to services.
This specialisation will offer you advanced knowledge and skills in Pacific health issues, research and cultures, and prepare you for both clinical and non-clinical careers in the health sector.
You can also conduct postgraduate level research in this subject at the University’s Liggins Institute.

Māori and Pacific Health is studied within the School of Population Health.
We have strong links internationally, in particular with researchers and health providers around New Zealand and the Pacific. We also offer a research-rich environment that appreciates that the causes of ill-health occur at all levels of complexity.
Our inter-professional approach provides access to a range of skills, knowledge and experience amongst the staff extending across the spectrum of primary care, community health, health services and public health.

There are opportunities to undertake doctoral studies in many of the areas of expertise within the department. Some of our research interests and projects include:
- Development of methodological issues in Māori and Pacific health research
- Sociological, economic and political factors that affect Māori and Pacific peoples' health
- SUDI epidemiology and prevention Health service utilisation
- Evaluation of provision, organisation and delivery of health services, particularly to Māori and Pacific peoples
- Child health
- Social, cultural and economic determinants of disease