Table 3 Summary of findings and recommendations of relevance to Māori organisations, and funders and policy makers

Māori health organisations are conduits for the community voice and are influential partners in the community to effect change

Lack of Cultural Centredness and Kaupapa Māori (KM) approach – communities have, to date, had limited involvement in defining the ‘problem’ or developing the ‘solution’

Leverage connections with communities by demonstrating greater recognition of the strengths of Māori organisations as partners needed to effect change, promote community engagement and ensure consideration of the local context

The community voice is heard to ensure the local context is understood and to promote greater community engagement, participation, and control; and better ‘alignment of health messaging with everyday realities and culture’ (Fig. 1).

A strategic approach to partnerships for community benefit will support Māori health organisations to deliver high quality services and evidence-based change that matters to communities

Poor integrated knowledge transfer - Health services are placed in the community with no consultation, and the community does not trust or have the required level of comfort with the service

Demonstrate strengthened partnerships between government agencies and Māori organisations to support measurable, evidence-based change and service delivery that matters to communities

Improved integrated knowledge transfer, facilitated by Māori organisations and their partners. Knowledge users realise the benefits of evidence-based change, which aligns with a KM approach and Indigenous self-determination; and improved ‘capacity for culturally appropriate, accessible and acceptable care’ (Fig. 1).

Recognise the importance of hauora and support an inter-sectoral approach for health and social service integration that supports Māori health organisations (and others) to deliver whānau-centred care

Limited importance has been placed on Systems Thinking – despite the importance of hauora and the delivery of whānau-centred care, it is challenging for providers to deliver integrated health and social services

Provide more seamless, integrated planning and funding across government agencies to support integration of health services with services that, at least in part, influence the social determinants of health

An appreciation of the ‘big picture’ promotes effective interactions across sector and organisation boundaries. This requires recognition of multiple perspectives and world views, for which Māori organisations are conduits; and the ‘extent to which settings are health promoting’ (Fig. 1).