Using social determinants health theory as a framework to understand the complex tapestry of geographic, social, and economic factors that perpetuate ethnic inequality in New Zealand.

In recent years, there have been increasing attempts by both the government and private sector to address long-standing ethnic disparities that have characterised much of New Zealand’s post-colonial history. Despite this, historically marginalised groups such as Māori and Pasifika still face significant economic, social, and cultural obstacles. This paper utilises social determinants theory as a framework to understand the complex factors that perpetuate ethnic inequalities in New Zealand. Drawing on both primary and secondary data from New Zealand and research from comparable countries in the OECD, this paper finds that disparities in education and work commitments could be a significant driver of ethnic inequality, especially in an inter-generational context. The intra-regional structural dynamics of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, are also examined as a potential factor that synergises with other factors to perpetuate inequality. Based on these findings, this paper identifies several potential interventions that could provide a greater equality of opportunity to Māori and Pasifika. These interventions include the expansion of Vocational Education Training (VET) programs with an emphasis on the provision of full-track programs and the expansion of finance-based equity systems.