Mental health and Maori development.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this paper is to illustrate trends in Maori health, examine earlier health policies and to suggest avenues for improved mental health.


METHODS
Several sources of historical and contemporary data have been reviewed and there has been some analysis of mental health policies as they relate to Maori. The interplay between culture, socioeconomic circumstances and personal health has been used as a context within which strategic directions are discussed.


RESULTS
Five strategies are highlighted: the promotion of a secure cultural identity, active Maori participation in society and the economy, improved mental health services, workforce development, autonomy and control. It is recommended that mental health services should be more closely aligned with primary health care, Maori youth, Maori-centred frameworks, and evidence-based practices.


CONCLUSIONS
Improvements in Maori mental health require broad approaches which are consistent with Maori aspirations and coordinated across the range of sectoral and disciplinary interests. Active Maori participation in the process and the retention of a cultural base will be critical if the current trends are to be reversed.
Durie
M
M
School of Mäori Studies, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000208:ethnology; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D009520:New Zealand; D011320:Primary Health Care