Leaders in Maori health will gather in Whanganui today for a three-day conference to examine issues affecting tangata whenua.
Te Ohu Rata O Aotearoa Maori Medical Practitioners Assocation Hui A Tau and Scientific Conference will hold the hui at Whangaehu Marae.
The co-convenor for the conference says the hui will focus on the need for Maori doctors and nurses to stand strong in the face of adverse social, political and environmental circumstances.
Rhys Jones, of Ngati Kahungunu, said Te Ohu Rata O Aotearoa would provide a space for robust discussion.
Dr Jones said one of the tasks at the conference will be to identify what role Maori medical practitioners have in trying to address issues such as child poverty.
Everyone has a part to play, he said, but Maori have an important role to play in achieving that.
Dr Jones said Maori medical experts and leaders would present original evidence-based research and speakers will include Dr Jo Baxter, Dr Rawiri Durie and Dr Rawiri Jansen.