Taupua Waiora was formally launched as the AUT University Centre for Māori Health Research in February 2006. The Centre carries out research in three main areas - Māori access to health services, Māori health promotion and Māori health workforce development. The Taupua Waiora Mission is 'To make a significant and distinctive contribution to reducing inequalities in health between Māori and non-Māori and improving Māori health outcomes'. The Centre's aims are to:
Expand and enhance the Māori health research workforce;
Carry out high quality Māori health research in collaboration with Māori, with a particular focus on Māori health promotion, Māori health workforce development and Māori health service delivery;
Inform Māori health policies and programmes; and,
Participate in and contribute to Māori initiatives linked to health.