University of Otago Research Highlights Need for Culturally Grounded Eating Disorder Support
The University of Otago has released findings from a significant qualitative study examining Māori experiences with eating disorders, emphasising the urgent requirement for whānau-centred, Kaupapa Māori-led services across Aotearoa New Zealand. Led by researchers in the Faculty of Medicine at the Christchurch campus, the work maps lived experiences against the refreshed national Eating Issues and Eating Disorders Strategy and reveals consistent gaps in culturally responsive care.
Background to the Study and Māori Health Context
Eating disorders represent a complex set of conditions affecting physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori communities face unique challenges shaped by historical, social, and economic factors. The University of Otago study, the first of its kind to directly align Kaupapa Māori perspectives with national policy, involved in-depth interviews with whai ora (those with lived experience) and their whānau. Researchers employed Kaupapa Māori methodology to ensure the work advances Māori health outcomes and prioritises community voices.
Food insecurity emerged as a prominent theme, alongside the lasting effects of trauma and co-occurring mental health conditions. Participants described how these factors intersect with limited access to specialist services, workforce shortages in culturally competent care, and a lack of screening tools designed for Māori worldviews. The study underscores that whānau-centred approaches, which involve family and support networks in treatment planning, remain significantly underutilised despite their recognised value.
Key Findings from the Qualitative Research
Six major themes shaped the experiences documented in the study. Food insecurity often compounded difficulties with body image and nutrition. Trauma and co-existing conditions frequently delayed diagnosis and treatment. Whānau involvement proved essential for recovery, yet services rarely integrated this support effectively. Barriers to specialist care included geographic isolation, cost, and cultural disconnection. Workforce shortages meant few practitioners trained in both clinical eating disorder treatment and te ao Māori perspectives. Finally, the absence of culturally appropriate screening tools hindered early identification in Māori populations.
These findings align with broader calls from the University of Otago and partner organisations for investment in kaupapa Māori services. No participants in the study reported accessing such dedicated services for their eating disorder needs, highlighting a critical service gap.
Implications for Higher Education and Research in New Zealand
The study carries direct relevance for New Zealand universities and research institutions. As a leading centre for health research, the University of Otago demonstrates how tertiary institutions can drive equity-focused scholarship. The work builds on earlier scoping reviews and qualitative projects from the same institution, contributing to a growing body of evidence on Māori mental health. Academics and postgraduate students in psychology, public health, and Māori studies can draw on these insights to inform teaching, supervision, and future research agendas.
Universities across the country are increasingly expected to embed te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in research ethics and curriculum design. This Otago-led project exemplifies best practice in community-engaged scholarship and offers a model for other institutions seeking to address health disparities through culturally grounded inquiry.
Policy Alignment and National Strategy Considerations
The research directly engages with the Government’s refreshed New Zealand Eating Issues and Eating Disorders Strategy. By comparing participant experiences against strategic priorities, the study identifies where policy intentions have not yet translated into accessible, effective services for Māori. Researchers advocate for stronger integration of Māori expertise at every level of planning and delivery.
Stakeholders, including health professionals and community leaders, have welcomed the findings as a timely reminder that one-size-fits-all approaches fall short. Investment in dedicated kaupapa Māori eating disorder services is presented as essential for achieving equity outcomes outlined in national health plans.
Challenges in Current Service Provision
Systemic barriers persist despite growing awareness. Regional differences in service availability create unequal access, particularly for rural whānau. Economic pressures, including food insecurity, intersect with mental health needs in ways that mainstream services are not always equipped to address. Coercive treatment models and weight-focused paradigms can alienate Māori whai ora and their support networks.
Workforce development remains a priority. Training pathways that combine clinical expertise with cultural supervision and pūrakau-based approaches are needed to build a sustainable, responsive workforce. The study notes that without these changes, disparities in outcomes are likely to continue.
Opportunities for Whānau-Centred and Kaupapa Māori Models
Participants consistently highlighted the protective role of whānau involvement. Services that welcome family participation, respect collective decision-making, and incorporate rongoā Māori elements show promise. The development of te reo Māori terminology, such as ngā māuiui kai as an umbrella term for eating disorders, supports more precise and culturally resonant communication in clinical and community settings.
Related work from University of Otago researchers has proposed specific terms including māuiui whakatiki for anorexia nervosa and pukuruaki for bulimia nervosa. These linguistic innovations complement the call for service redesign and help normalise discussions of eating difficulties within Māori frameworks of hinengaro, tinana, and wairua balance.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
The University of Otago study concludes with clear recommendations for policy makers, health providers, and research funders. Prioritising Māori-led services, expanding workforce capacity, and developing culturally validated screening tools are identified as immediate priorities. Ongoing collaboration between universities, iwi, and health authorities will be critical to translating these findings into sustained change.
As New Zealand’s higher education sector continues to strengthen its commitment to equity and Te Tiriti partnerships, projects like this one illustrate the contribution academic research can make to national wellbeing goals. Further longitudinal studies and evaluation of new service models will help track progress and refine approaches over time.
Photo by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash
Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Impact
Health leaders and Māori health advocates have responded positively to the research, noting its alignment with wider efforts to decolonise mental health services. The emphasis on whānau-centred care resonates with successful models already operating in other areas of Māori health. University administrators and researchers see opportunities for interdisciplinary programmes that prepare graduates to work effectively across cultural and clinical boundaries.
The study also contributes to international conversations on Indigenous approaches to eating disorders, offering Aotearoa-specific insights that can inform global best practice while remaining grounded in local realities.
