Cram, F.Smith, L.Johnstone, W.2009-08-192009-08-192003New Zealand Medical Journal 116 (1170), 20031175-8716eid=2-s2.0-0037436689http://hdl.handle.net/2292/4641An open access copy of this article is available and complies with the copyright holder/publisher conditions.Aim: This paper reports the findings of a qualitative research project that investigated: how Maori talk about health; Maori health; and Maori experiences of interacting with both mainstream and Maori providers of healthcare. Methods: Twenty eight self-identified Maori were recruited from urban, marae-based healthcare services. Rich descriptions of commonly occurring themes were used to examine participants' experiences, explanations and ideas. Results: Twelve themes provide an overview of how Maori health is conceptualised, the importance of 'traditional' concepts, the experiences of Maori within mainstream healthcare, and Maori health promotion mechanisms. Conclusions: Providing holistic healthcare to Maori in a respectful and collaborative way will provide opportunities for health professionals to have a positive impact on the health of individuals, their whanau and, in turn, their communities, hapu and Iwi.Items in ResearchSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Details obtained from http://www.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/issn/0028-8446/https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/docs/uoa-docs/rights.htmJournal ArticleFields of Research::320000 Medical and Health SciencesCopyright: New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA)12659099http://purl.org/eprint/accessRights/OpenAccess