Author(s): Mason Durie (School of Maori Studies, Massey University, New Zealand)

Secondhand. First published in 2001.

Mauri Ora: The Dynamics of Māori Health, tracks the advancement of Māori health in a world which is often indifferent to the attainment of good health and seldom ready to value culture and identity as foundations for health. Drawing on his many years of experience as a psychiatrist and a health scholar, Professor Durie’s influential work contends that it does not matter whether the focus of health is on prevention of illness, the promotion of well-being or on treatment and rehabilitation; progress depends on the dynamic interaction of people with each other as well as with wider cultural, social, economic, political and physical environments. Health according to Durie, is the outcome of all those variables working together. In order to acquire a secure and meaningful identity, and to enjoy good health and a sense of well-being, Māori must be able to live comfortably as Māori and as citizens of the world.

The book is divided into nine chapters beginning with an overview of the position of Māori in contemporary New Zealand society; an examination of the fundamental foundations that underpin Māori health; characteristics of Māori cognition and behaviour; an exploration of mental health issues among Māori; programmes for healing and treatment and concludes with principles and strategies for Māori health advancement.