Jade Tamatea
Thyrotoxicosis, or overactive thyroid, is a common condition in Aotearoa New Zealand, with over 70 new cases per 100,000 people each year. Recent research shows Māori experience this condition at much higher rates than non-Māori and face significant barriers to care. They are less likely to attend outpatient appointments, receive fewer tests, and have worse treatment outcomes. These inequities lead to higher risks of complications and even premature death. The current chronic care model is failing Māori, and a new approach is urgently needed.
The TAONGA project aims to create a new model of care for thyrotoxicosis outpatient services that is Māori-informed, Māori-centred, and Māori-led. The goal is to improve engagement and treatment outcomes for Māori, reduce health disparities, and develop a model that can be adapted for other chronic conditions. Beyond improving thyrotoxicosis care, TAONGA seeks to influence systemic change by embedding kaupapa Māori principles into healthcare delivery.
TAONGA uses a kaupapa Māori methodology and a co-design approach. This means Māori whānau and stakeholders are involved at every stage of the project. There are four stages: building a research foundation, identifying gaps in current services, co-designing and testing a new model of care, and evaluating and sharing findings. A clinical pilot will test the feasibility of the new model in Waikato Hospital’s endocrinology department. Ethical approval is sought for each stage to allow meaningful input from whānau. Dissemination will include hui, visual summaries, and whānau-friendly materials to ensure findings are accessible and useful.
TAONGA is a research project working with Māori communities to improve care for people with thyrotoxicosis, an overactive thyroid condition. Māori are more affected by this condition and face barriers to treatment, leading to worse health outcomes. TAONGA uses a co-design approach, meaning Māori whānau help shape solutions. The project aims to create a new model of care that is culturally grounded and effective, with potential benefits for other health areas. This work is about making healthcare fairer and better for everyone.
TAONGA will deliver a tested model of care that addresses inequities for Māori with thyrotoxicosis. Success will be measured through clinical outcomes and whānau satisfaction during a pilot phase. The findings will inform a protocol for a full clinical trial and could be applied to other chronic conditions. Ultimately, TAONGA aims to shift the health system toward approaches that are culturally responsive, equitable, and sustainable.
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