7th December 2000
Maaori Health Crisis Will Continue Unless Society Changes
Ten years ago, a small but determined group of Maaori women set up an organisation committed to improving the sexual and
reproductive health of Maaori. In 1989, the Family Planning Association formally acknowledged Maaori had limited access
to sexual and reproductive health services and endeavoured to support the development of an independent “for Maaori by
Maaori” organisation. This week, Te Puawai Tapu celebrates it’s 10th anniversary. The organisation provides national
policy advice to health and government stake-holders and it runs sexuality education programmes aimed at Maaori youth.
Medical advisor, Dr. Papaarangi Reid says “Ten years later we’re a lot wiser about sexual and reproductive health in
respect to how we’re framing the issue. We’re moving away from victim-blame focussing on individual behaviour. We have
to move towards understanding how society and it’s values impact on health behaviours and outcomes.”
Convenor of Te Puawai Tapu, Irihapeti Ramsden says the high rates of teenage pregnancies, STIs (sexually transmitted
infections), abortions and un-protected sex among Maaori are the statistical results of a system which is failing Maori.
“There will be little improvement in the grim health statistics until all institutions start becoming more responsive to
Maaori. The sexual and reproductive health crisis faced by Maori is a reminder of the multi-layered struggle for
survival in a system that continues to prohibit Maori existence, and inhibit the inherent right of Maaori to health and
wellness “
Dr. Papaarangi Reid says limited access to appropriate health services, an education system which has failed to excite
Maaori children about learning and society’s view of Maaori all impact on the status on Maaori sexual health. She says
one of the greatest challenges for Te Puawai Tapu is to shift the public debate on Maaori sexual and reproductive
health. “We need to resist Maaori vicitm blame analyses, mitigate the effects of racist policy, politics and politicans
and undo the effects of 160 years of colonisation.”
Tumuwhakahaere, Pania Ellison says Te Puawai Tapu is also aware of the challenge facing non-Maaori service providers.
“It takes genuine commitment to re-orientate a service or a national group to become more accountable to improving
Maaori and sexual reproductive health.” Te Puawai Tapu has worked hard with national groups like the FPA who are now
incorporating many pro-active strategies in to their national plan.
Te Puawai Tapu will be celebrating it’s 10th anniversary with the expansion of it’s modest premises on Wellington’s
Courtenay Place this Friday. (8th December at 5.30pm) A new seminar room has been leased to accomodate the growing
demand for the organisation’s sexuality education programmes. Associate Health and Associate Maaori Affairs Minister,
Tariana Turia will be the key note speaker.
Please contact Sandi Barr to arrange media interviews and for further information.