Lay summary
The maternity care needs of Maori women are greater than for non-Maori and there are persistent inequalities in birth outcomes between Maori and non-Maori. As well, there are persistent differences in Maori experiences of and access to maternity services. The main objective of this research is to find out what ideal care during pregnancy and delivery looks like for Maori. The research is a direct response to Taranaki Maori community identified aspirations. Findings from this research will inform maternity care policy, funding and service delivery in communities for Maori women and their babies, and has the potential to make a substantial contribution to improving long-term Maori health outcomes and reducing inequalities. The research involves a literature review, focus groups with Maori women who have been pregnant, face-to face interviews with individual Maori women who have been pregnant, and interviews with selected experts (including those with community expertise).