New Zealand continually seek Māori healing

Key Concepts

• Rongoā Māori: Traditional Māori healing practices encompassing massage (mirimiri), prayer (karakia), and herbal remedies (rākau rongoā).
• ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation): New Zealand’s state-funded accident compensation scheme.
• Kohhatu: Sacred stones used in Rongoā Māori healing.
• Hakura, Hihi, Hingo: Specific examples of Kohhatu mentioned.
• Equity for Māori: ACC’s initiative to address health disparities and provide culturally appropriate care for Māori.

Resurgence of Rongoā Māori within New Zealand’s ACC Scheme

The video details the increasing integration of traditional Māori healing practices, known as Rongoā Māori, into New Zealand’s publicly funded accident compensation scheme, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). Historically suppressed by legislation until the 1960s, Rongoā Māori is experiencing a significant revival, particularly within the context of rehabilitation services offered by ACC.

Practitioner Profile & Methodology: Rongoā Practitioner Rene McDonald

Rene McDonald, a practitioner specializing in addiction recovery – specifically methamphetamine addiction – exemplifies this trend. McDonald utilizes kohhatu (sacred stones) – specifically naming Hakura, Hihi, and Hingo – alongside traditional techniques. Her personal experience as a former methamphetamine addict lends credibility to her approach, allowing her to connect with and support others facing similar challenges. Rongoā Māori, as practiced by McDonald, is described as encompassing massage (mirimiri), prayer (karakia), and herbal remedies (rākau rongoā).

ACC’s Implementation & Growth of Rongoā Māori Services

ACC began offering Rongoā Māori as part of its rehabilitation services in 2020, driven by a commitment to achieving “equity for Māori.” This initiative has seen substantial growth in demand. Claims for Rongoā Māori services increased dramatically, rising from over 4,000 in the year ending July 2023 to over 11,000 in the year ending July 2025. This represents an increase of more than 150%, positioning it as one of ACC’s fastest-growing health services.

Correspondingly, the costs associated with these services have nearly tripled, escalating from 2.71 million New Zealand dollars to 8.11 million New Zealand dollars over the same period.

Effectiveness & Perspectives on Recognition

ACC reports positive outcomes, stating that 70% of users report that Rongoā Māori helped them to recover. This statistic is highlighted as particularly significant given the historical challenges faced in gaining recognition and establishing Rongoā Māori alongside Western medicine.

As stated by a practitioner (unnamed in the transcript), “I think the statistics are great considering that we have had you know such a hard time having to have our traditional medicines recognized and established with um manner and integrity the same way western medicine has in Aotearoa.” This quote underscores the historical marginalization of Māori healing practices and the importance of the current resurgence.

Historical Context & Current Trends

The video emphasizes the historical suppression of Rongoā Māori through legal restrictions, which were only repealed in the 1960s. The current increase in utilization and funding through ACC signifies a shift towards acknowledging and integrating indigenous healing modalities into the national healthcare system. The growth in both claims and costs demonstrates a tangible investment in and demand for these services.

Synthesis

The video illustrates a significant development in New Zealand’s healthcare landscape: the increasing acceptance and integration of Rongoā Māori within the state-funded ACC scheme. Driven by a commitment to equity for Māori and supported by positive user feedback, this trend represents a move towards culturally responsive healthcare and a recognition of the value of traditional healing practices. The substantial growth in both service utilization and associated costs highlights the growing demand and the potential for Rongoā Māori to play an increasingly important role in New Zealand’s healthcare system.