How to Answer Māori Health Questions in a UoA MMI | ICANMED

Māori health questions can make students nervous because they do not want to say the wrong thing, sound performative or rely on memorised phrases.

That nervousness is understandable. But the goal is not to recite a perfect definition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi or list a Māori health model from memory.

A stronger answer shows that you understand three things:

• Māori health equity is an important issue in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Healthcare professionals need to reflect on how systems, communication and their own assumptions affect care.
• Respectful care requires listening, partnership and practical action — not just good intentions.

Why Māori health may matter in an MMI

The Ministry of Health states that its Te Tiriti o Waitangi framework recognises Treaty obligations as a foundation for achieving Māori health aspirations and equity for Māori. The Medical Council of New Zealand also requires doctors to meet cultural safety standards. It describes cultural safety as requiring doctors to reflect on how their own views and biases influence clinical interactions and the care they provide. As a future health professional, this means Māori health is not a separate "extra topic". It is relevant to how care is designed, delivered and experienced.

First: understand health equity

Health equity does not mean treating every person identically.

The National Ethics Advisory Committee defines health equity as a situation where everyone has a fair opportunity to achieve their full health potential and nobody is disadvantaged from achieving it. In a practical answer, this might mean recognising that some people need different forms of support to access the same quality of care.

For example:

• A person in a rural area may need different access options than someone living near a hospital.
• A patient who has previously had negative experiences with healthcare may need more time, trust-building and clear communication.
• A whānau may want to be involved in decision-making.
• A service may need to consider cost, transport, appointment flexibility or language needs.

The point is not to assume every Māori person wants the same thing. The point is to avoid assuming that the existing system works equally well for everyone.

Cultural safety is not memorising facts about culture

A common weak answer is:

"I would learn about Māori culture so I could treat Māori patients properly."

Learning matters, but this answer is incomplete.

The Medical Council explains that cultural safety has moved beyond simply acquiring knowledge about other cultures. It includes self-reflection on a doctor's own attitudes and biases, and how these may affect patient safety and care. A stronger answer might be:

"I would avoid assuming that I know what a patient or whānau needs based on identity alone. I would listen, ask respectful questions, reflect on my own assumptions and seek guidance when I need it. I would also think about whether the way the service is set up creates barriers for that person."

That answer is stronger because it connects the principle to action.

A useful way to structure your answer

When asked a Māori health or equity question, use this framework:

1. Acknowledge the issue

Start by recognising that Māori health equity is an important part of healthcare in Aotearoa.

Example:

"I would approach this by recognising that achieving equitable health outcomes for Māori requires more than offering the same service in the same way to everyone."

2. Avoid assumptions

Do not speak as though all Māori patients have identical beliefs, preferences or needs.

Example:

"I would not assume what is important to a patient or whānau. I would ask, listen and make space for them to tell me what good care looks like from their perspective."

3. Focus on partnership and practical action

The Ministry's Te Tiriti framework describes partnership as Māori and the Crown working together in governance, design, delivery and monitoring of health and disability services. At an individual level, this can mean involving people meaningfully rather than making decisions about them without them.

Example:

"In practice, partnership could mean involving whānau when the patient wants that, explaining options clearly, checking understanding and adapting care around barriers that may affect access."

4. Reflect on your own role

A good answer includes humility.

Example:

"As a future doctor, I would need to keep learning and reflect on how my own assumptions could affect the way I communicate or make decisions."

Original ICANMED practice question

A Māori patient has missed several specialist appointments. A staff member says, "They clearly do not care about their health." How would you respond?

A weak answer

"I would tell the staff member not to be racist and make sure the patient comes next time."

Why this is weak:

• It assumes intent without exploring the situation.
• It gives no practical plan.
• It focuses only on individual behaviour, not barriers in the system.

A stronger answer

"I would be concerned about making assumptions about why someone has missed appointments. There may be barriers such as transport, cost, work or caring responsibilities, previous experiences with services, communication issues or difficulty navigating the system. I would encourage the team to contact the patient respectfully, ask what made attendance difficult and explore practical options. I would also reflect on whether the service could make access easier, rather than placing all responsibility on the patient."

This answer is stronger because it:

• Challenges an assumption without becoming confrontational
• Recognises possible structural barriers
• Suggests respectful communication
• Provides practical next steps
• Keeps the focus on improving access and care

Phrases to avoid

Avoid phrases that sound memorised but do not lead anywhere:

• "I would treat everyone equally."
• "I would respect all cultures."
• "I would use Te Tiriti principles."
• "I would be culturally competent."

These are not necessarily wrong, but they are incomplete.

Instead, explain what you would do.

For example:

• "I would ask what support would make this appointment accessible."
• "I would check whether the patient wants whānau involved."
• "I would avoid assuming that I understand their priorities."
• "I would seek guidance from colleagues or appropriate Māori health services where needed."
• "I would reflect on whether the service itself is creating barriers."

What a thoughtful answer sounds like

A thoughtful Māori health answer is usually:

• Respectful
• Specific
• Humble
• Practical
• Focused on partnership
• Aware of systems, not just individual choices
• Willing to listen and learn

You do not need to speak perfectly. You need to show that you understand your responsibility to provide care that is safe, equitable and responsive.

The ICANMED MMI Trainer includes original practice stations across Māori health, equity, communication, ethics and professionalism — designed to help you practise clear, respectful answers without relying on scripts.