New report into impacts of cultural loading on Māori doctors released

Te Tāhū Hauora partnered with Te ORA to investigate the cultural loading experienced by Māori doctors. ‘The Colonial Tax: Cultural Loading of Māori Doctors’ shows the challenges faced by Māori doctors and the impact on these doctors and the wider health sector. 

 Key findings include:  

Uncompensated cultural responsibilities: Māori doctors frequently shoulder additional responsibilities—advocacy for Māori patients, cultural guidance, and leadership—without appropriate recognition or support.  

Professional impacts: These duties are often invisible, undervalued, and may impact on Māori doctors' career progression.  

Health system risks: Cultural loading exacerbates workforce burnout and risks undermining the systemic equity goals. 

Read the full report ‘The Colonial Tax: Cultural Loading of Māori Doctors’.