A whanau ora journey of Maori men with chronic illness: A Te Korowai analysis

The Oranga Tane Maori research project explored the views of tane Maori (Maori men) with a chronic disease or cancer, and their whanau (families), to discover how they experienced their health care in relation to whanau ora (healthy families). The first phase of developing this research involved developing a local whanau ora framework called Te Korowai. Interviews were undertaken with 47 tane Maori with chronic disease or cancer and 15 support people. The men had received or were currently receiving care for one or more chronic diseases. Data were analysed using Te Korowai as a conceptual framework. Findings included the foundational importance of "being Maori" as an enabler for health decision- making and service engagement, and whakama (shyness, embarrassment) as a barrier to effective service provision. Health professionals are urged to look to how they can re-engage individuals and whanau, and to prioritize relationship building and respectful engagement.