Vision Matauranga

Vision Mātauranga

Māori and Pacific Island populations in Aotearoa suffer disproportionately from cardiometabolic disorders such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, and are disproportionately represented in obesity statistics. They are also more likely to experience other health effects including communicable diseases and drivers of poor health such as smoking and high rates of alcohol use.

The Clinical Nutrition Association is positioned well to help both Māori and Pacific peoples and communities in their pursuit of health, through the provision of effective, evidence-based, holistic, and culturally appropriate nutrition and health guidance.

The CNA aligns strongly with the ‘te whare tapa whā’ model for Māori health as it acknowledges a holistic approach to healthcare including mental health (Taha hinengaro), family health (Taha whānau), physical health (Taha tinana) and spiritual health (Taha Wairua).

Given this we not only have obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi to engage with Iwi in a culturally safe manner, but also the desire to do so, in order that our association and the work of its members is of benefit to those most at risk of poorer health in society.

The values outlined in the Clinical Nutrition Association’s Vision Mātauranga require all members to foster a culturally safe and effective clinical and/or educational environment that also fosters whanau support values. Interactions with clients (Māori and other) will be conducted in a manner that respects and acknowledges their individual values and beliefs. These outcomes will ensure accessible and culturally safe practices as guaranteed to Māori by the Clinical Nutrition Association. Additionally, we recognise that clients and participants in any programs may wish to opt into or out of Vision Mātauranga provisions.

Vision Mātauranga provisions include:

  • CNA events will include karakia and where possible, representatives of the tangata whenua of the location in which
    • the event is held;
  • Māori clients and whanau will be given the choice of having karakia performed;
  • Privacy will be sought for all whanau consultations and decision making during the clinical process;
  • Informed consent will be obtained from the participants before any data collection and reporting;
  • The CNA will continue to engage and consult with Iwi and other representatives of Māori;
  • The principles of Whakapapa, Tika, Manaakitanga, and Mana will underpin our approach.

    • One of the ways in which the Clinical Nutrition Association (CNA) is recognising matauranga Māori and the importance of Te Reo Māori in Aotearoa is the adoption of a complementary name for the CNA to be used interchangeably, and on CNA documentation. The proposed name is Te aka haumi taioranga o Aotearoa.