The Public Health Association conference in New Plymouth has heard health research involving Maori organisations reduces inequalities.
A Taranaki-based Maori health consultant, Mihi Ratima, told delegates that when Maori are part of sharing research findings - the health outcomes are much better.
She gave the example of the land-mark Cot Death study done in the late 1980s that led to a big reduction in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Mihi Ratima says it wasn't until Maori came on board with an alternative to the 'don't bed share' message - instead promoting the use of baby sleeping baskets, or wahakura - that Maori cot death rates dropped.
