In what Way have Māori Contributed to the Development of Midwifery Education in New Zealand?

Abstract

This dissertation identifies sources of disparity between theory and practice in relation to Māori women in midwifery education. It is aimed at revealing existing relationships between Māori women and midwives to dispel beliefs that women and midwives in New Zealand have partnership relationships based on an understanding that they are equal. The aims of this paper are: a) To examine contributing factors to the development of midwifery education. b) To describe a process for developing a partnership model between Māori and midwifery educational institutions. This research explores the element of 'participation' by Māori women in relationships with midwives, specifically, midwifery education development and presents a framework from Mason Durie's five-point plan to encourage their participation.