Māori and Pasifika Whānau expertise and experiences in the ear and hearing health system in the Counties Manukau Region, Auckland

Unaddressed hearing loss and middle ear problems have lifelong implications for speech and language development, social skills, education, and future employment opportunities. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori and Pasifika peoples are overrepresented in ear and hearing health statistics and experience many unmet needs. Despite the promise of equal outcomes under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, there is a well-established body of literature reporting poor health-related outcomes for Māori and Pasifika peoples. <i>Tamariki</i> (children) and their <i>whānau</i> (families) face a range of multi-factorial barriers when accessing ear and hearing health services. This study aims to explore the experiences of Māori and Pasifika whānau accessing these services in the Counties Manukau region, Auckland. The research was guided by Kaupapa Māori and Pan-Pacific research principles, which aim to address power relationships in research, critique deficit discourses, and maintain high quality standards for Māori and Pacific health research. Six whānau interviews were conducted and thematic analysis of data resulted in three themes - Whānau are experts, Power and control, and What makes a good ear and hearing health service. In addition, Māori and Pasifika whānau made suggestions for improvements in ear and hearing healthcare, which will inform larger scale ear and hearing health projects in NZ. <b>Glossary of Māori words:</b> hapū: kinship group, clan, tribe, subtribe - section of a large kinship group; iwi: tribe, nation, people, nationality, race; karakia: prayer, grace, blessing; lotu: prayer, blessing; Māori: normal, ordinary, indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand; mokopuna: grandchild, great-nephew or great-niece; Pākehā: (Te Reo Māori) European; Papa'a: (Cook Island Māori) European; raranga: weaving; tamariki: children; taonga: treasure; Tauiwi: (Te Reo Māori) non-Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand; Te Taiao: world; Earth; natural world; environment; tikanga: correct procedure, custom, method, manner, rule, way, code, practice; wāhine: woman, female; whakapapa: genealogy; lineage; descent; whānau: extended family network, family group.