title: Indigenous participation in the 'new' New Zealand health structure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper presents preliminary evaluative findings from research on key areas of concern to Māori and forms part of a wider project on the 2001 health system reforms in New Zealand. The paper reports on the development and implementation of the Māori Health Strategy, representation in decision making at governance level in District Health Boards, the inclusion of the Treaty of Waitangi in legislation and workforce issues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Key informant interviews with 35 Māori and non-Māori respondents, in addition to data from five case study districts, were thematically analysed to gain an understanding of views on the health system reforms to date.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The development of a Māori Health Strategy and the mandatory inclusion of Māori in governance and consultation processes have had a positive effect on Māori participation in the public health sector. Whereas previously Māori participation was concentrated in health service provision, the inclusion of specific provisions in the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 has resulted in greater Māori inclusion in governance, planning and decision-making roles. However, there are concerns over strategy implementation, sustainability and workforce development.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, the findings at this stage indicate that there is support for the post-2000 model. Māori and non-Māori alike have identified positive features of the model that could go some way towards contributing to improved Māori health. However challenges still remain.
authors.affiliation: Te Pumanawa Hauora, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Amohia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boulton
authors.forename: Kiri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Simonsen
authors.forename: Tai
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cumming
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cunningham
mesh_terms: D003256:Community Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006285:Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006292:Health Priorities; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009520:New Zealand