Kete One: Whakapapa – History

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi, The Treaty of Waitangi - Constitutional Agreement for Aotearoa New Zealand
• Te Reo Māori. The Language of Māori - Importance of Māori language
• Tikanga Māori, Correct procedure - Correct Māori procedures, behaviours and customs

What is Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) was signed on 6 February (1840) binding the majority the indigenous people of Aotearoa known as Māori with the British Crown.

The four articles are as follows:

The intent within the ACEM Health Equity Statement supports the commitment of te Tiriti with the alignment of those of Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health, Aotearoa, New Zealand, which are:   

• Tino rangatiratanga – guarantee Māori self-determination in emergency care
• En oho taurite – commit to achieving equity of health outcomes for Māori who use ED services
• Te kaitiakitanga – active protection and to act ensuring equitable health outcomes
• Ngā kōwhiringa whaihua ensures emergency departments are culturally safe
• Te pātuitanga – partnership, working together with Māori

Te Tiriti and Health Context

The New Zealand Health Strategy vision, as outlined in the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, directly informs how healthcare should be structured to improve outcomes for Māori and other underserved communities in Aotearoa. This vision sets out the values and principles that guide the health sector and ensures that we uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations in all aspects of health service delivery.

In this context, the four articles of Te Tiriti—partnership, participation, protection, and equity—serve as foundational principles in guiding health policy and service delivery. These principles ensure that the health sector takes a holistic, inclusive approach that is responsive to the needs of Māori and all populations, emphasising cultural safety, equity in health outcomes, and the promotion of well-being.

The New Zealand Health Charter provides a clear statement of values, principles, and behaviours that health entities must demonstrate in Aotearoa. This Charter is required by the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 and applies to all health service providers, including those in the funded sector. Health workers are expected to collectively embody and demonstrate these values at both the organisational and individual levels. They must be accountable for their actions, ensuring a healthcare system that fosters collaboration, long-term planning, and continuous improvement.

Quick Fact

• The NZ Health Charter outlines the behaviours and values expected of healthcare providers and workers. It supports the overarching goal of Pae Ora for all and serves as a guide to ensuring health workers are valued, supported, and well-trained. This approach aims to improve health outcomes for whānau and communities, and encourages a collaborative, culturally safe environment for both service providers and recipients.
• The primary purpose of the NZ Health Charter is to ensure that health and care workers, across all levels, contribute positively to the achievement of Pae Ora by demonstrating the values, principles, and behaviours that will drive better health outcomes for Māori and all communities in Aotearoa.

As illustrated in the image below, these values and principles play a key role in how we can best serve our communities.

Applied in Practice

He Ara Tiatia kii te Taumata o Pae Ora provides explicit action to consider in your practice and workplace. We have provided some simple ways to incorporate these into your practice.

The "Manaaki Mana uara" values form the foundation of Tikanga, the expected practice and behaviour within emergency departments. The examples provided are merely a sample, and we recommend that you collaborate with your colleagues and emergency department leaders to establish the expectations within your department by utilising the Manaaki Mana Pae Ora standards as your framework.