Guidelines for Traditional Maori Healing Launched

August 17, 1999

Guidelines for Traditional Maori Healing Launched

Traditional Maori healers now have another tool to help ensure quality service, with the launch of standards for those working in the field.

Ministry of Health Deputy Director-General of the Maori Health Branch Ria Earp said the Ministry had worked with the traditional Maori healing sector through a national body, Nga Ringa Whakahaere o Te Iwi Maori, to develop the guidelines.

The guidelines were launched by Associate Health Minister Georgina te Heuheu at a function today (Tuesday, August 17, 1999).

"The aim of the standards is to help traditional Maori healers improve service quality. They focus on practical actions that can be carried out," Ria Earp said.

"The booklet covers referrals to other health services, record keeping, rights and responsiblities of the patient, staff training, networking with other providers and the safe preparation, storage and labelling of herbal remedies.

"The guidelines are a starting place for traditional Maori healers to build on and develop further. The guidelines truly belong to the community of Maori healers, as they come from their own practices and values.

"Most traditional Maori healers provide services within their own communities without public funding. Many work alongside and complement conventional medicine clinics.

"One way traditional Maori healers will complement conventional primary care services is through encouraging patients to be active in their own health care.

"The guidelines are an acknowledgement that traditional Maori healing complements mainstream primary health care."

ENDS

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