Policy framework improves outcomes for Maori population

New Zealand key policymakers are utilising a framework, partly designed by a Charles Sturt researcher, to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for its Māori population.

The framework, Critical Tiriti Analysis (CTA), is an original public policy development and evaluation method developed by Professor Dominic O’Sullivan (pictured) from Charles Sturt’s School of Social Work and Arts, alongside New Zealand academics Dr Heather Came and Tim McCreanor.

In 2023, CTA was used by several New Zealand organisations, including the Health and Disability Commission, Auckland Regional Public Health Service, Ministry of Defence, Pharmac (the public pharmaceutical purchasing agency), Health and Quality and Safety Commission, Auckland District Health Board, Family Violence Death Review Committee, Mental Health Foundation and the Research Council.

The ultimate beneficiaries of CTA in public health policy are Māori leadership of, and the general Māori population, whose health outcomes are expected to improve due to the privileging of Māori knowledge in policymaking and service delivery.