Culture and Diversity

Access understands the service emphasis required for Māori, Pacific peoples, and other cultures. We understand that both Māori and Pacific cultures regard the extended family structure as central to their way of life. Māori will identify by connection to whānau, hapu and iwi. Pacific peoples will have similar connections through kinship relationship, village or island.

Spirituality is also a fundamental component to most Māori and Pacific cultures and is expressed in many ways. We appreciate an individuals' spiritual and social aspects of their life and ensure that the traditional preservation and remembrance of ancestral ties and origins are equally taken into account within our service.

Working with Māori

Access accepts two key concepts:

• that the Whānau Ora framework, which is the underlying principal of He Korowai Oranga Māori Health Strategy, ensures Māori families are supported to achieve their maximum health and wellbeing
• that we recognise the special relationship between Māori and Pakeha under the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi - partnership, participation and protection - must underpin our organisational strategy.

He Korowai Oranga

The Māori philosophy towards health is based on a wellness or holistic health model which builds on the strengths of whānau to achieve good Māori health status in priority areas. Those concepts are:

• Te taha whānau - family health and wellbeing
• Te taha tinana - physical health and wellbeing
• Te taha hinengaro - mental health and wellbeing
• Te taha wairua - spiritual healing
• Te taha matauranga - learning
• Whānaungatanga - extended family wellbeing.

As we provide services to people who identify as Māori - we bear in mind these opportunities to enhance wellbeing in more than just the physical sense. This could include:

• identifying and acknowledging what role whānau members have in a service users' life
• ensuring that the spiritual aspects and beliefs of service users are taken into account with support offered in the way that works best for them, within the context of our service.

Treaty of Waitangi

Access' services take into account the articles of the Treaty of Waitangi and their practical application:

Article 1: Kawanatanga/Governance

What the Treaty says: Governance and the Crown's obligation to be responsive to Māori.

Where Access stands: Our services will ensure that the needs of Māori are met and communicated in a culturally appropriate way.

Article 2: Tino Rangatiratanga/Sovereignty

What the Treaty says: Control and authority is given to Māori to meet their specific needs where appropriate and relevant.

Where Access stands: We will involve the service user and their whānau in the planning, delivery and supervision of services as appropriate.

Article 3: Oritetanga/Equality

What the Treaty says: In which Māori achieve complete rehabilitation or habilitation at the same level as all other New Zealanders.

Where Access stands: Our people will work collaboratively for the best possible outcomes for Māori. Our people have an appreciation of therapies such as Rongoa, Karakia and Whakawhanaungatanga.