Introduction
The New Zealand College of Sexual and Reproductive Health (NZCSRH) recognises Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand. We affirm the Māori text as the authoritative version and uphold its intent and principles as foundational to health equity in Aotearoa. We acknowledge the impact of colonisation and commit to transforming sexual and reproductive health systems in partnership with Māori.
Our Vision
To provide culturally safe, Te Tiriti-informed access to safe, high-quality sexual and reproductive health care.
Our Values
- Partnership and Equity
- Respect and Empowerment
- Diversity and Inclusivity
Te Tiriti o Waitangi Framework
Whakawhanaungatanga – The Preamble
The preamble of Te Tiriti reflects the intent to build enduring, respectful relationships between Māori and the Crown. At its heart is whakawhanaungatanga—the process of building and maintaining trust, connection, and shared purpose and intent. This guides how we engage with Māori: with humility, respect, and a long-term commitment to meaningful partnerships and relationships.
Article 1 – Kawanatanga (Governance)
Article 1 affirms Māori right to exercise kawanatanga (governance). NZCSRH supports Te Tiriti o Waitangi-aligned health leadership that is ethical, transparent, accountable, and just. We are committed to governance practice and this includes creating systems that uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and protect Māori health interests.
Article 2 – Tino Rangatiratanga (Self-Determination)
Article 2 guarantees Māori authority over their own taonga—including health, knowledge, and cultural practices. NZCSRH supports Māori-led services, kaupapa Māori models of care underpinned by tikanga, and Māori decision-making power in sexual and reproductive health. We are committed to uplifting Māori leadership, mātauranga, perspectives, and autonomy in all College work.
Article 3 – Ōritetanga (Equity)
Article 3 affirms Māori rights to equity—equitable health outcomes, access, and protection. NZCSRH commits to actively eliminating inequities in sexual and reproductive health by addressing institutional barriers and systemic racism. Equity is not sameness; it means responding to the unique needs of Māori communities with targeted, transformative action.
Wairuatanga – Spiritual Wellbeing
We acknowledge wairuatanga, the spiritual dimension of wellbeing, as central to Māori health. Wairua is inseparable from physical, emotional, and whānau wellbeing. NZCSRH affirms that sexual and reproductive health care must uphold the mana and tapū of each individual. We commit to creating culturally and spiritually safe environments where Māori values are honoured, and te tapu o te tangata—the sacredness of the person—is respected in all care.
Our Commitments in Practice
1. Partnership and Co-Design
We work in genuine partnership with Māori at all levels of the College—governance, training, service design, and evaluation. We actively seek the guidance and leadership of Māori health experts, iwi, hapū, and Māori providers in shaping our strategic direction and initiatives.
2. Equity and Active Protection
We prioritise Māori health gain by identifying and eliminating barriers to care, such as cost, stigma, institutional racism, and lack of access. We align with national Māori health strategies (e.g. Whakamaua) and commit to active protection, as required under Te Tiriti.
3. Respect and Empowerment
We uphold tino rangatiratanga by supporting Māori-led services and recognising Māori knowledge systems. We promote Māori workforce development and leadership, ensuring that Māori voice shape the future of sexual and reproductive health in Aotearoa.
4. Diversity and Inclusivity
We recognise that many communities experience inequities. Our commitment to inclusivity means ensuring care is welcoming and affirming for all people, including Māori, Pacific peoples, takatāpui, LGBTQIA+ communities, disabled people, rangatahi, kaumātua, kuia and rural populations. Elevating Māori health outcomes strengthens health equity across all communities.
Embedding Te Tiriti Across the College
- Culturally Safe Practice: Integrating mātauranga Māori, tikanga, and kaupapa Māori into clinical guidance, curricula, and professional practice. A central component to this is reflecting and improving on our individual and collective practice in providing culturally safe care.
- Education & Training: Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori health will be core to our training programs and we provide opportunities to build confidence in delivering equitable, culturally responsive care.
- Governance & Leadership: Elevating Māori leadership and representation at all College levels and ensure our strategic decisions are grounded in Te Tiriti principles.
- Advocacy & Research: Champion equity-focused policy, supporting kaupapa Māori research and advocating for resource distribution that reflects the SRH needs of Māori.
Conclusion
NZCSRH is committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all we do. Honouring te Tiriti is central to achieving health equity and delivering safe, sexual and reproductive health care. By embracing whakawhanaungatanga, kawanatanga, tino rangatiratanga, ōritetanga, and wairuatanga, we stand for a future in which Māori and all people in Aotearoa can access care that upholds their inherent mana, values, and wellbeing.