Mäori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, have suffered social and economic deprivation as a result of colonisation. Mäori suffer worse health then their Päkehä (non-Mäori) cohort. Mäori are using their traditional worldview to develop a model of health that can be used as a holistic or unified theory of health. The model, Whare Tapa Wha, can be used as clinical assessment tool. The model is part of Mäori seeking to regain control over our health services. It has supported the development of a Mäori health sector, which has led to gains in both health and community development.