Fostering Tino Rangatiratanga: Empowering Māori and Pasifika Heart Health Professionals Through Strengthening Connections

2025

Authors

R. Eddington, E. Korohina, W. Harrison, T. Russell-Camp, S. Hanchard, A. Rolleston A, J. Agnew

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to health inequities for Māori and Pasifika peoples, driven by the ongoing impacts of colonisation. Indigenous heart health clinicians and researchers play a critical role in addressing these inequities but often face systemic barriers, cultural workload, and limited leadership opportunities. Te Whare Tukutuku was established as an Āhuru Mōwai (safe space) for Māori and Pasifika professionals to connect, share experiences, and weave strategies for a culturally safe work environment.

An initial wānanga (workshop) in Auckland brought together 27 Māori and Pasifika heart health professionals to identify key challenges and develop recommendations for the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). These focused on improving engagement with Indigenous members, embedding cultural safety in governance, and supporting Indigenous leadership and workforce development.

A second wānanga in Christchurch saw 38 participants work on developing a pātaka (storehouse) of support—a practical framework to reduce cultural workload burdens, strengthen professional networks, and improve well-being.

Key outcomes include recommendations for CSANZ to establish culturally safe spaces, enhance Indigenous representation, and embed an equity-focused framework. Workforce development priorities include strengthening mentorship, leadership training, and Indigenous-led research. The pātaka of support outlines strategies such as wairua check-ins, cultural mentorship, a digital networking platform, and clear terms for cultural workload to improve well-being and career sustainability.

Implementing these recommendations provides an international exemplar for embedding equity, cultural safety, and Indigenous leadership in heart health. Commitment from CSANZ and other institutions is essential to uphold these initiatives and foster meaningful Indigenous participation in heart health.

Publication Link

https://www.heartlungcirc.org/article/S1443-9506(25)00512-8/fulltext