Matire Harwood

New Zealand doctor and academic

Matire Harwood

Matire Harwood is a prominent New Zealand doctor and academic known for her contributions to Māori health and indigenous health research. She is a strong advocate for health equity and has worked extensively to improve health outcomes for Māori communities.

Early Life and Education

Matire Harwood was born and raised in New Zealand. She is of Ngāpuhi descent, one of the largest iwi (tribes) in New Zealand. Her upbringing in a Māori community deeply influenced her career path and commitment to improving health outcomes for indigenous populations.

Harwood pursued her medical education at the University of Auckland, where she completed her medical degree. She later obtained a PhD in Public Health, focusing on health disparities and indigenous health issues.

Career

Harwood has held various academic and clinical positions throughout her career. She is a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland, where she teaches medical students and conducts research on Māori health. Her work often emphasizes the importance of culturally appropriate healthcare and the need for systemic changes to address health inequities.

In addition to her academic roles, Harwood has been actively involved in policy development and advocacy. She has worked with government agencies and health organizations to develop strategies aimed at reducing health disparities and improving access to healthcare for Māori and other indigenous groups.

Research and Contributions

Harwood's research focuses on several key areas, including chronic disease management, health service delivery, and the social determinants of health. She has published numerous articles on these topics, highlighting the unique challenges faced by Māori communities and proposing solutions to address these issues.

One of her notable contributions is her work on the management of cardiovascular disease among Māori. She has advocated for the integration of traditional Māori healing practices with conventional medical treatments to provide more holistic care.

Awards and Recognition

Harwood's contributions to medicine and indigenous health have been widely recognized. She has received several awards for her work, including honors from professional medical associations and indigenous organizations. Her efforts have also been acknowledged internationally, further highlighting the impact of her work on a global scale.

Related Pages

• Māori health
• Indigenous health
• University of Auckland
• Ngāpuhi