Tiriti O Waitangi Case Study

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When Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) was signed on the 6th of February 1840, it was a founding document that recognised Māori as people of the land, and holders of equal British citizenship rights (Crisp, Taylor, Douglas, & Reberio, 2013). The Treaty still applies New Zealand wide today. The New Zealand Nursing Organization (NZNO) states in its vision statement, “NZNO is committed to Tiriti o Waitangi as our guiding document” (Clair, Progressively Acting in Unity and Aroha, 2004). The World Health Organization definition is as follows “Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. It includes the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people” (World Health Organization, 2015). This essay will discuss three key …show more content…

It may mean something as simple understanding why a family elder is addressing you, rather than the patient or being sensitive to cultural protocols such as not touching heads without permission, returning any hair back to the patient or avoiding prolonged eye contact. “Families often request karakia (prayers) or waiata (songs) at the bedside, or an explanation of what is happening to them from a clinical point of view…In some cases the family may have been informed, but are unable to comprehend the information given” (Lewis & Foley, 2007). Understanding policies regarding new-borns placentas and death is vital in order to keep stress at a minimum. The presence of the dead makes the room tapu (sacred), meaning something as simple as bring cups of tea to a grieving family considerably offensive (Medical Council of New Zealand by Māuri Ora Associated, 2015). By pursing culturally sensitive care and health equality via application of Treaty principles we can better treat patients (New Zealand Psychologists Board,

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