What we do matters: Supporting anti-racism and decolonisation of public health teaching and practice through the development of Maori ¯ public health competencies

Abstract

Abstract Objective: This research sought to expand on a set of core Maori hauora ¯ a-iwi/public health competencies initially designed for teaching and ¯ to enable their use in workplaces. Methods: The research used a kaupapa Maori methodology in four stages including the development of draft levels of competence for all core ¯ competencies, consultation hui (meetings), analysis of feedback and redrafting, and respondent validation. Results: Key themes elicited in relation to the content of the competencies included increasing language expectations, the importance of strength-based approaches and self-determination, and the need for individual responsibility to address structural racism. Reflective practice was identified as a fundamental cross-cutting competency. Participants suggested planetary health and political ideologies be included as additional socio-political determinants of health with equity impacts. Key concerns related to the application of the competency document included the need for cultural safety and ensuring that all public health practitioners are ‘seen’. Conclusions: The Maori hauora ¯ a-iwi/public health competencies have been published under a Creative Commons licence. ¯ Implications for public health: The process of drafting a set of Maori public health competencies elicited key themes potentially relevant for ¯ public health practice in other countries and resulted in a competency document for use by universities and workplaces. Key words: public health competencies, Maori, New Zealand, anti-racism, decolonisation