Indigenous Māori perspectives on urban transport patterns linked to health and wellbeing

There is a growing body of research linking urban transport systems to inequities in health. However, there is a lack of research providing evidence of the effect of transport systems on indigenous family wellbeing. We examined the connections between urban transport and the health and wellbeing of...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health & place Vol. 23; pp. 54 - 62
Main Authors: Raerino (Ngāti Awa, Te Arawa), K., Macmillan, Alex K., Jones (Ngāti Kahungunu), Rhys G.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01-09-2013
Elsevier
Subjects:
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:There is a growing body of research linking urban transport systems to inequities in health. However, there is a lack of research providing evidence of the effect of transport systems on indigenous family wellbeing. We examined the connections between urban transport and the health and wellbeing of Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. We provide an indigenous exploration of current urban transport systems, with a particular focus on the impacts of car dependence and the need for culturally relevant travel. We interviewed nineteen Māori participants utilising qualitative research techniques underpinned by an indigenous research methodology (Kaupapa Māori). The data highlighted the importance of accessing cultural activities and sites relevant to ‘being Māori’, and issues with affordability and safety of public transport. Understanding the relationship between indigenous wellbeing and transport systems that goes further than limited discourses of inequity is essential to improving transport for indigenous wellbeing. Providing an indigenous voice in transport decision-making will make it more likely that indigenous health and wellbeing is prioritised in transport planning. •We used indigenous qualitative methods linking urban transport and Maori wellbeing.•Inequitable outcomes and access to sites relevant to being Maori are both important.•Transport policy effects on urban Maori wellbeing demand specific consideration.•Greater indigenous representation and empowerment in transport strategy is needed.•Fair access for indigenous youth to education and employment needs prioritising.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
content type line 23
ObjectType-Article-2
ObjectType-Feature-1
ISSN:1353-8292
1873-2054
DOI:10.1016/j.healthplace.2013.04.007