"The purpose of this review was to study evidence from five major domains of endeavour to identify a common set of interventions, initiatives, approaches and practices that increases understanding of what helps Māori succeed or improve outcomes in life. The investigation concentrated on reviewing studies that produced evidence that contributed to this understanding. The domains of interest were economic development, education, health, whānau and wellness and the review covered a wide range of research evidence within each domain. The approach utilised a set of criteria to guide selection and analysis of literature and subjected the information and findings to a process of synthesis that was designed to identify the commonalities of success across the five domains. There were two stages of synthesis. One was at the end of the analysis of each domain and the other was an overall synthesis that informed the discussion and conclusions section.
The findings emphasised the centrality of whānau (Māori family system) as a major influence on individual whānau members, and extending outward to hapū, iwi and particularly to community organisations. Most organisations reviewed recognised this importance and several studies demonstrated its enhancing effects. Associated with whānau effects was the importance of the Kaupapa Māori (by Māori, for Māori) approach to service provision and to understanding what works and how. This effect was also pervasive and was part of the varying contexts found across domains." (from the Executive summary)