A prominent health researcher wants Maori health groups to stop competing and to work together towards better outcomes for Maori.
Papaarangi Reid has joined more than 600 delegates including health experts and policy makers at the first ever Population Health Congress being held in Auckland this week.
Dr Reid, the tumuaki, or deputy Maori dean, for the medical faculty at Te Kupenga Hauora Maori, said Maori are making progress on health when they work together, but they aren't always doing that.
She said the competition for funding, silos in different medical practices, and rivalries between sectors can divide Maori.
Dr Reid said Maori are very strong when they work together, but can fall for the colonial divide-and-rule trick.