4 September 2013
Professor Sir Mason Durie to visit Gisborne in October
One of the country’s leading experts in health research and development, Professor Sir Mason Durie, will visit Gisborne
on 10 October 2013.
Sir Mason will deliver a day seminar as a guest of Te Waiora o Nukutaimemeha (TWON), the Maori advisory committee to the
Tairawhiti District Health Board.
‘An integrated approach to Maori health wellbeing’ is expected to attract an audience of health professionals as well as
leaders of local business, non-government organisations, Maori health providers and iwi trusts.
TWON chair Na Raihania says he is excited and grateful that Sir Mason agreed to visit Gisborne.
“This is a chance for our community to hear an outside, informed view on our own potential health needs. It is both a
privilege and a pleasure to have an opportunity to receive expertise and guidance from such a noted scholar.”
He says Sir Mason brings a broad perspective, providing comment with authority on how the current state of Maori health
within te Tairawhiti compares with the rest of New Zealand, and insights on the best strategies to reduce illness rates.
“The challenge for TWON and for the Tairawhiti District Health board – and for everyone working to improve the health of
Maori in Te Tairawhiti – will be the application of this knowledge to improve the provision of effective health services
for all whanau.”
In recent years Tairawhiti has closed the gap on childhood immunization, with Maori children now being immunised at
comparable rates as non-Maori. But Maori people still die at a younger age than non-Maori and are over-represented in
statistics for complex long-term conditions like diabetes.
Sir Mason’s day seminar ‘An integrated approach to Maori health wellbeing’ will be held at the Emerald Hotel on 10
October 2013.
Registration prior to the event is required (cost $40 per attendee).
Background
Professor Sir Mason Durie is a New Zealand Professor of Psychiatry and Emeritus Professor of Māori Research and
Development. He has recently retired from the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Massey University, and is well known
for his contributions to Maori health. He has whakapapa to Rangitane, Ngati Kauwhata and Ngati Raukawa.
ENDS