Rahiri, Jamie-LeeTuhoe, JasonHanchard, SandraHouma, AlyssaAppleby, NoahBrewer, KarenTaueetia-Su'a, TuaTane, TariaAmeratunga, ShanthiSelak, VanessaDicker, BridgetGrey, CorinaHarwood, Matire2025-12-042025-12-042025-11-21N Z Med J, ISSN: 0028-8446 (Print); 1175-8716 (Online), Pasifika Medical Association Group, 138(1626), 12-25. doi: 10.26635/6965.70860028-84461175-8716http://hdl.handle.net/10292/20277AIM: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) inequities in Aotearoa New Zealand disproportionately affect Māori and Pacific peoples, who experience higher risk factors, hospitalisations and mortality than NZ Europeans. These disparities stem from the historical and contemporary effects of colonisation, including institutional racism, impacting access to healthcare and socio-economic resources. Despite guidelines for earlier CVD risk assessments (CVDRA), gaps in identification and management persist. METHOD: The Manawataki Fatu Fatu (MFF) for Māori and Pacific Hearts in Unison for Achieving Cardiovascular Care in Equity Studies (ACCESS) is a Māori and Pacific-led research programme examining CVD inequities in Aotearoa New Zealand. This study presents phase three, focussing on qualitative co-design hui (meetings) across Aotearoa New Zealand to gather insights from Māori and Pacific patients, whānau (family/supports) and kaimahi (healthcare workers) engaged with CVD services spanning primary to secondary care. RESULTS: A total of 105 participants attended four regional hui focussed on the heart healthcare experiences of Māori and Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. Template analysis revealed four key themes for achieving equitable healthcare: the importance of the whānau/community, the need for providers to engage with patients at their level, the persistent barriers faced and a strong commitment to protecting Māori and Pacific communities and kaimahi. CONCLUSION: This study is a comprehensive qualitative investigation into heart healthcare for Māori and Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. The findings reiterate that care must align with the realities of Māori and Pacific peoples and that interventions must address long-standing systemic barriers to care.Open Access. The NZMJ offers free open access for all individuals that subscribe to the journal. 24/7 access to online content from 1999 to present. The New Zealand Medical Journal is fully available to individual subscribers and does not incur a subscription fee. This applies to both New Zealand and international subscribers.11 Medical and Health SciencesGeneral & Internal Medicine32 Biomedical and clinical sciences42 Health sciencesHumansNew ZealandCardiovascular DiseasesQualitative ResearchHealthcare DisparitiesMaleHealth Services AccessibilityFemaleMiddle AgedMaori PeopleHumansCardiovascular DiseasesQualitative ResearchMiddle AgedHealth Services AccessibilityNew ZealandFemaleMaleHealthcare DisparitiesMaori PeopleJournal ArticleOpenAccess10.26635/6965.7086