Māori preferences and practices in systemic health and social service collaborative practice

In the field of mental health and addictions, there is a lack of research that acknowledges or considers Indigenous needs, preferences, and approaches to the design, development and maintenance of collaborative health and social initiatives in rural communities. This study presents a Kaupapa Māori (Indigenous Māori research approach) qualitative case study in a small rural community. The study focused on three groups involved within service collaboration. These included 10 individuals who were identified as Indigenous community leaders; 10 individuals experiencing substance use and related problems; 12 family members; and two focus groups involving 21 health and social service practitioners working within this community. The study findings present a dynamic whānau (families) and rural community-centred model of collaboration. This model reflects a continuum of collaboration that incorporates service users, their whānau, and culture as core components. The key barriers and enablers to collaboration across the continuum are discussed.