01/05/2025
Equitable healthcare isn’t just a principle - it’s a practice.
Across Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika communities continue to face significant health inequities. These include disproportionately high rates of avoidable hospitalisations, limited access to mental health services, and persistent barriers to primary care.
Research indicates that Māori and Pasifika patients often face longer wait times for primary care appointments, ultimately contributing to delays in diagnosis, timely treatment, and continuity of care.
So how can we help? In the events industry, Māori and Pasifika festivals, celebrations, and gatherings are proudly woven throughout our national calendar - and our team is dedicated to providing a service that actively considers the barriers these communities face when accessing equitable healthcare.
MRI deploys Māori and Pasifika Health Advocates at all major events and community-led kaupapa Māori and Pasifika events across the motu. These advocates are embedded within our clinical teams to ensure care is culturally safe, whānau-centred, and equity-driven.
Their presence helps:
🌀 Build trust and encourage early engagement
🌀 Support whānau in healthcare decision-making
🌀 Guide culturally aligned care pathways
🌀 Bridge communication and language gaps
🌀 Improve health literacy on the ground
This is more than a role - it’s a commitment to manaakitanga, to system change, and to amplifying the voices of Māori and Pasifika within event healthcare.
📣 If you want to support this kaupapa and become a Māori and Pasifika Health Advocate in the event medicine space - get in touch with us by emailing info@mri.nz
