ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the rationale for a Maori-informed and Maori-centred approach to social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. It describes the historical, social and political context and challenges for Maori, and demonstrates why there is a need for vigilant advocacy and collaboration. The negative health experiences of Maori provide parallels to the experience of other indigenous populations that have been subject to colonisation. The detrimental impacts of colonisation on Maori, the Indigenous population of Aotearoa New Zealand, have been well documented. The concept of whanau ora is complex and based on traditional Maori ways of understanding wellbeing. In the public health and welfare policy domain, the idea of whanau ora was first introduced earlier this century as the mainstay of Maori health policy. The expansion of Maori health and social services reflects state acceptance that, for some types of provision, services developed and delivered 'by Maori for Maori' are best placed to meet the needs of Maori.
