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. Enquiries to Wendy Wallace 06 869-0500 ext 8401
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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kathy McVey
Communications Manager
Tairawhiti District Health
06 869-0500 ext 8115