MĀORI SEEKING ONLINE HEALTH INFORMATION: KŌRERO MAI

Māori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand. This proposed research study describes ‘step one’ in a long-term plan to effect meaningful change for Māori to achieve better outcomes. Little is known about the online health information seeking behavior of the indigenous people in Aotearoa New Zealand. In this research study we explore the online health information searching practices of Māori. Specifically, where online do Māori seek health information, what was the search experience like and how was information assessed for trustworthiness. We aim to interview 20 participants using the Kaupapa Māori approach (the process of privileging Māori values and attitudes to develop a research framework that is culturally safe). This research study provides an opportunity for participants to kōrero (talk) and reflect on their experience having sought health information online. The long-term aim is to develop and provide culturally appropriate resources for Māori by Māori.