Abstract:
Historical experience from previous pandemics, together with knowledge of significant and perpetuating health inequities, led to predictions that Māori and Pacific peoples would experience greater morbidity and be hardest hit economically. Steadfast is the rock describes the mahi (work and actions) of three Māori nurse leaders through the first COVID-19 lockdown in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2020. Through kōrero (discussion and dialogue), this article draws on their experiences of working in a large mainstream primary health entity working across the Northland region of Aotearoa as they navigated their way within and across health sector providers and organisations to protect the health and wellbeing of whānau (families). They used their knowledge of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge and tradition), to ensure Māori whānau were prioritised in the pandemic response in the region. They faced adversity and resistance in a fragmented system where competition and power interfered with collaborative practices. Throughout, they remained courageous and resilient, holding true to mātauranga Māori as nurses and Māori wāhine (women) to promote equity. Yet much of their work went unnoticed and unacknowledged. Māori nurse leaders hold a necessary role in providing an equity-focused response across mainstream and Māori health providers, through their abilities to maintain relationships, find mutually agreeable strategies, and work collaboratively across the health sector.
