EP265 – The Truth About Māori Health Outcomes | Prof. Jason Gurney

In this episode I sit down with Professor Jason Gurney, epidemiologist, researcher, and author of The Twisted Chain, to unpack one of the most uncomfortable truths in Aotearoa: that the health outcomes for Māori aren't a story of personal failure. They're a story of systems. Jason's work studies the causes, patterns and spread of disease across populations and the data tells a story most of us were never taught. From colonisation, to where vape shops and fast food outlets are deliberately placed, to alcohol availability in our communities. But this kōrero isn't doom. Jason carries an optimism that lifted me up. He sees how far we've come, and where we're headed, and he reminds us that change is already happening. Episode Breakdown ✨ Why responsibility for Māori health sits at a systems level, not just individual ✨ How vape, alcohol and fast food stores are strategically located in our communities ✨ What being an epidemiologist actually means. ✨ The hidden patterns behind Māori cancer outcomes ✨ Why Jason remains optimistic about where we're headed ✨ Practical reflections for making better hauora decisions This conversation is about identity, agency, and reclaiming the story of our health. It's about understanding the bigger picture so we can stop carrying shame that was never ours to begin with, and step into informed, empowered choices for ourselves, our whānau and the generations coming through. Hauora isn't just a personal journey. It's a collective one. 🔗 Episode Links 📚 Jason's pukapuka, The Twisted Chain⁠: www.thenile.co.nz/books/jason-gurney/the-twisted-chain 🙏 Te Rau Ora: ⁠https://terauora.com/ 🎗 Hei Āhuru Mōwai:⁠ https://www.heiahurumowai.org.nz/ 🌱 Seeds of Self: ⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/seeds-of-self