Ngā Taero a Kupe: Whānau Māori experiences of in-hospital adverse events

This report was prepared by the Health Quality & Safety Commission | Kupu Taurangi Hauora o Aotearoa based on the information gathered during a research project of whānau Māori experiences of in-hospital adverse events.

The study was designed using a kaupapa Māori approach, which was applied throughout each phase of the project. A range of qualitative methods was applied to data collection and the analysis of all information collected from 17 whānau Māori and eight clinical staff from across the country.

The study found that whānau Māori had strong views about the way they were treated when accessing health care. For example, many whānau perceptions of the health care system was poor and as a result whānau were reluctant to access care unless absolutely necessary.

The need for change is critical to the quality of care that whānau Māori experience within the Aotearoa New Zealand health and disability system.

The report name, Ngā Taero a Kupe, refers to the kareao (supplejacks), tataramoa (brambles), tūmata-kuru (spear grass) and ongaonga (nettles), which are called ‘The Obstructions of Kupe’. These are physical and mental difficulties or blockages. They occur when cultural safety and cultural competency are not observed.

You can also view an explanation of the meaning behind the tohu (pattern) created for this report by artist Len Hetet.