"Interestingly, many areas of high vulnerability were located in small towns and communities, particularly those with large Māori populations," Wiki said. The study focused on three main factors - health, sociocultural and socioeconomic - and explored how levels of vulnerability changed with each. That could be explained by higher deprivation and smoking rates, larger Māori populations, and lower awareness of services. "Areas with high Māori and Pacific populations are among the most vulnerable, including South Auckland and Porirua. "Identifying where these areas of high vulnerability are located allows for better targeting of resources."

Source: New Zealand Herald March 31, 2021 15:56 UTC