Whanau Ora : Report of the Taskforce on Whanau-Centred Initiatives

2.3 Whānau Circumstances
2.3.1 Most analyses <strong>of</strong> whānau employ aggregated data to compare Māori with
non-Māori. Though useful, those comparisons fail to measure change over
time and do not capture <strong>the</strong> wide variations that occur within and between
whānau. Moreover, available data generally focuses on individuals ra<strong>the</strong>r
than collectives. Instead <strong>of</strong> relying solely on cross-population comparisons,
current whānau circumstances can be assessed from a number <strong>of</strong>
perspectives, including whānau risks and vulnerabilities, whānau inclusion
within society, whānau participation within te ao Māori, and whānau
enterprise.
Risk Factors and Vulnerabilities
2.3.2 Whānau wellbeing is largely a factor <strong>of</strong> socio-economic determinants.
Sub-standard housing, for example, is correlated with increased rates <strong>of</strong>
household injury, lower standards <strong>of</strong> personal health, domestic violence
and fewer opportunities for healthy sport and recreation. Low household
incomes have similar consequences and are also associated with poor
nutrition, greater uptake <strong>of</strong> tobacco smoking, less attention to preventive
health measures, reduced access to quality education, unemployment,
fewer options for dealing with disabilities, and a greater likelihood <strong>of</strong> being
convicted for <strong>of</strong>fences against <strong>the</strong> law.
2.3.3 Despite limitations, current data suggest that whānau members face
a disproportionate level <strong>of</strong> risk for adverse outcomes, as seen in lower
standards <strong>of</strong> health, poorer educational outcomes, marginalisation within
society, intergenerational unemployment and increased rates <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fending.
Fur<strong>the</strong>r, in response to socio-economic hardship, a range <strong>of</strong> problems are
likely to co-exist within <strong>the</strong> same household, affecting health, employment,
behaviour, education, and lifestyle simultaneously.
2.3.4 In addition to socio-economic determinants, some studies have shown that
even when social and economic circumstances are taken into account,
Māori individuals still fare worse than non-Māori. Two explanations have
been <strong>of</strong>fered to account for <strong>the</strong> difference. First, a cultural or ethnic factor
may be associated with different lifestyles or experiences that increase risk
and vulnerability. Second, society may react differently to Māori than to
o<strong>the</strong>r members <strong>of</strong> a community. But whatever <strong>the</strong> explanation, ‘being Māori’
introduces a risk factor that cannot be entirely accounted for by social or
economic disadvantage.
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