An apparent relation between the transportation infrastructure and the health of Maori whanau has been depicted by a major study.

Researcher, Kimiora Raerino from Auckland University questioned 19 Maori stakeholders, who contained noteworthy interest in transport, for a period stretching from January till April of this year, which was a part of the research.

The group comprised kuia (students), kaumatua (Maori healthcare suppliers) and Maori envoys belonging to associations such as the Manukau City Council, the Auckland Regional Council and Te Puni Kokiri.

“We wanted to get a perspective on how transport impacts whanau wellness”, Kim told the Public Health Association's annual conference in Ngaruawahia today.

Maori have had a connection to travel that goes back deep in the history.

Seasonal traveling was an activity followed through many years by the culture followed by people here. Since wherever the food was, they would travel and needed to travel a whole lot.

Transport could make or break the health of Maori, said Kimiora Raerino.

Given the transport is defective, Maori prefer not to travel places. Planning powers must take into consideration the demands of the communities whom they serve, since if improved transport was offered to Maori, they’d use it more often.