The Pacific Islands Families study found that 27% of mothers (n=1376) had not had their infant immunised at approximately 6 weeks of age. The factors that were associated with non-immunisation of Pacific infants were ethnic group, maternal birthplace, parity, difficulty with transport, and age of the baby at the time of the interview. These findings demonstrate the need for education about the importance of the primary immunisation series and the current schedules.

Maori and Pacific deaths have been undercounted in the mid-1980s and first half of 1990s. Correcting for this undercount, the gaps between Maori and non-Maori non-Pacific mortality widened over the 1980s and 1990s due to steadily declining non-Maori non-Pacific mortality rates and stagnant Maori mortality rates. Likewise, the gaps between Pacific and non-Maori non-Pacific mortality widened. It seems likely that the structural reforms, and the varying impact of these reforms on ethnic groups, was at least partially responsible for the widening gap.

Population based travel times to general practitioners were calculated, and this information showed how access to GPs varies across New Zealand. Travel times based on the use of private vehicles were also calculated by different population groups classified by ethnicity, age, and deprivation. The research shows that many rural regions in New Zealand have high travel times to GPs and that, in some regions, a high percentage of the population with poor access are Maori and poor. This analysis uses computer-based geographical information systems (GIS).

Applications for contestable government research funding require researchers to outline how the intended research proposal contributes to Maori health. This has created difficulties for both researchers and Maori. This paper outlines nine key issues for researchers (to address in the formulation of research proposals) in the hope that this will be of assistance to both researchers and Maori.

Applications for contestable government research funding require researchers to outline how the intended research proposal contributes to Maori health. This has created difficulties for both researchers and Maori. This paper outlines the historical development of the focus on Maori research responsiveness and the legislation underpinning it. It is also argued that research institutions, rather than researchers, need to take a lead role in consulting on research issues with Maori organisations.