Accident Compensation Corporation

Rongoā Māori Services for Maternal Birth Injuries

ACC recognises rongoā Māori as a kaupapa Māori service. It’s culturally grounded care that weaves tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori, and te ao Māori through all aspects of the service. We respect that these aspects embrace ngā taonga tuku iho (intergenerational gifts and knowledge handed down from tupuna Māori). ACC expects rongoā practitioners to whakapapa (affirm their connection) to ngā taonga tuku iho.

Rongoā Māori is defined as traditional Māori care and healing. It comprises many different techniques including, but not limited to, mirimiri (bodywork), rākau rongoā (native flora herbal preparations), and karakia (prayer). Rongoā Māori places a stronger emphasis on the value of whānau and spirituality in recovery. Spirituality and whānau connection can be important to an individual’s wellbeing. Rongoā Māori can be considered if it supports a client’s return to independence. It can lead to recovery through (to name a few benefits) pain management, restoration of physical function, taha hinengaro (psychological wellbeing), taha wairua (spiritual health) and mana motuhake (self-determination).
We're guided by the Waitangi Tribunal’s definition from the Ko Aotearoa Tēnei report to define rongoā Māori. This definition covers various traditional Māori healing methodologies, including (but not limited too):
• mirimiri (bodywork)
• whitiwhiti kōrero (support and advice)
• karakia (prayer)

The purpose of the Service is to enable a pathway that looks to increase positive experience and outcomes for māmā (mother) with a covered maternal birth injury (as the Client) and their whānau, through Rongoā Māori. The pathway will help to provide equitable outcomes for Māori and non-Māori who have experienced a maternal birth injury and deliver culturally appropriate and holistic rehabilitative care.

To undertake the Rongoā Māori Services for Maternal Birth Injury Contract you must first be an ACC registered Rongoā Māori Practitioner. The forms to be a ACC registered Rongoā Māori Practitioner can also be found in the application forms attached.

Once you have completed this application and all application documents, please email them to maternalbirthinjuries@acc.co.nz or hand it into your local ACC office.