A researcher suggests we start at the very basics to address inequities in the health system.
A study in today's Medical Journal says half of Maori and Pacific deaths could be classed as potentially avoidable.
That compares to 23 per cent for other ethnicities.
The study authors say the healthcare system needs to address the role of racism in creating the disparities.
Dr Heather Came from AUT's Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research, says there's a simple way to do that.
"Quite an old fashioned strategy which is honouring the treaty. If we fulfil our treaty obligations to Maori, there shouldn't be institutional racism in the health sector."
She says we need institutional racism to be acknowledged and addressed.
"If you don't recognise that's what's going on, it's hard to engage in anti-racism. So if we're clear about what's going on, then it helps how we shape our response to it."
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