Lay summary
Recognition and utilisation of rongoā is a key pathway to good health outcomes for Māori and has been increasingly a treatment of choice for non-Māori. In order to enable oranga whānau and improve health inequities for whānau Māori, we need to see a health sector that adds recognition and value to Rongoā, ensuring it is well supported and thriving. Understanding system infrastructures and resources available to support and deliver on priorities for rongoā can lead to changes in the way healthcare is, and can be, delivered to Māori and non-Māori. There is a lack of qualitative and quantitative analysis of research and insights to develop evidence to support the use of, and investment into, Rongoā. This research aims to take action and develop a long-term strategy for the future of rongoā within the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).