Abstract
Overview
This presentation shared preliminary findings from the Ngā Hua Akoranga study, a mixed-methods evaluation of the MIHI Mobile Vaccination Clinic (MMVC) – a Māori-led, whānau-centred COVID‑19 vaccination service operating in Canterbury during the pandemic. The focus was on Phases 3a and 3b of the study, which examined quantitative vaccine uptake data and whānau survey responses. The presentation aligned with the conference theme of translating research into practice, highlighting effective implementation strategies for equitable healthcare delivery.
Key Findings Presented (Phases 3a & 3b)
Phase 3a – Quantitative Data Analysis:
- The MMVC delivered 9,297 vaccine doses to 5,369 individuals over 13 months (May 2021 – June 2022).
- Over half of those vaccinated were Māori (50.6% of individuals; 55.2% of doses).
- Māori vaccinated by MMVC were younger on average (38.4 years) and more likely to live in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation (32.5% in NZDep 8–10) compared to non‑Māori attendees.
- Compared to all other Canterbury DHB providers, MMVC reached a proportionally higher share of Māori in high‑deprivation areas (e.g., 7.0% of all Māori vaccinations in NZDep 10 were delivered by MMVC).
- MMVC vaccinated Māori approximately three weeks earlier than other providers in Christchurch, demonstrating rapid mobilisation.
Phase 3b – Whānau Survey (n=171 Māori respondents):
- 89% reported their experience exceeded expectations; 11% said it met expectations; 0% said it did not meet expectations.
- Key influencers for attending MMVC:
- Service in a Māori setting (71%)
- Vaccinated by Māori health workers (60%)
- Whānau/friend recommendations (51%)
- Ability to attend as a whānau/group (43%)
- Availability of kai and tea (40%)
- Only 3.5% cited vaccination vouchers/incentives as influential – highlighting that intrinsic cultural values mattered more.
- Over half (54%) attended with others for all vaccinations; 68% of those were accompanied by whānau.
- Most valued features for future services: Māori setting (71%), by Māori for Māori service (61%), convenient locations (58%), kai and tea (57%).
Implications for Implementation Science
The MMVC model demonstrates that culturally grounded, Māori‑led services can achieve high acceptability and reach underserved populations when implementation is guided by:
- Relational accountability (whanaungatanga, manaakitanga)
- Community-led design (marae-based clinics, flexible booking, whānau group vaccination)
- Addressing structural barriers (mobility, deprivation, cultural safety)
These findings offer a practical blueprint for translating equity principles into pandemic response implementation.