A hapū (sub-tribe) research project draws on the responses of kuia (elderly female) and koroheke (elderly male) regarding health service provision for Ngāti Ruaka/Ngāti Hine hapū of Rānana, Whanganui River. The research found that kuia and koroheke have both a perspective and experience of Māori and Western forms of medicine and healing practices provided by community-based practitioners, including tohunga (specialists), mātua (parents, other elders), and Catholic sisters. Today, kuia and koroheke prefer the services of Māori health providers because these providers are aware of Māori experience and ensure that health needs are addressed appropriately, though some elderly Māori continue to use general health services. Research participants identified services not currently provided at Rānana, and kuia and koroheke continue to be concerned for the needs of others, and are actively involved in developing local responses to enhance the health and wellbeing of current and future generations.
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