Whānau, Heart Health and Decision Making
Tess shared her research and whānau reflections to a very interested audience in Sydney
At the 74th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) in August, Tess shared research exploring the complexities and challenges Māori whānau experience when making decisions during a cardiac event.
Drawing on her extensive programme of Māori-led research into serious illness, caregiving, bereavement and whānau wellbeing, Tess highlighted how decisions during a health crisis are influenced by much more than clinical information. For many Māori whānau, tikanga and values such as aroha, whanaungatanga, wairuatanga, mana motuhake and kotahitanga are central to how decisions are made and care is provided.
A key message from the presentation was that decision making is often a collective process. Whānau come together to support the person who is unwell, advocate within healthcare settings, organise caregiving, and navigate the practical, cultural and spiritual challenges that accompany serious illness.
Tess also discussed the wider factors that shape Māori experiences of heart disease, including barriers to accessing healthcare, financialpressures, and experiences of racism and cultural unsafety within health services. These realities can affect both health outcomes and accessto timely treatment.
Alongside findings from studies such as Rapua te Mārama, Tess drew on her own experience of having a heart attack. Reflecting on the importance of relationships during illness, she described her partner Nette as her māngai (mouthpiece), someone who speaks and advocates for her when she is unable to do so herself. This deeply personal perspective reinforced the central role of whānau support during times of vulnerability and uncertainty.
The presentation concluded with a call for more culturally safe, whānau-centred care. By recognising the collective role of whānau,supporting cultural and spiritual practices, and addressing inequities within the health system, healthcare services can better support Māoriexperiencing serious cardiac illness.
It was wonderful to see Māori perspectives and whānau experiences featured at one of Australasia’s leading cardiology conferences,helping to broaden understanding of what truly matters when people and their families are navigating serious illness
Tess and her partner Nette