Partnership and participation: The bicultural New Zealand context

Abstract

The bicultural basis of health cure in New Zealand, which is founded on Treaty of Waitangi principles of partnership and participation, is outlined. The implications of biculturalism for occupational therapy education, work force development, and service delivery are discussed, with particular reference to the need for occupational therapists to re-examine the values and assumptions underlying occupational therapy theory and practice, to increase the number of Maori occupational therapists, and to work with Maori to develop relevant, culturally safe occupational therapy services. Restrictions relating to access to Maori knowledge, and non-Maori occupational therapists taking leadership roles in developing health services for Maori are identified Implications for other cultural groups in New Zealand are suggested.