Evaluation of the Ngati Porou Community Injury Prevention Project.

Objective: To evaluate the Ngati Porou Community Injury Prevention Project based in a rural district in the North Island of New Zealand with an extensive indigenous population (Maori).

Method: The evaluation design was quasi-experimental and included process, impact and outcome measures.

Results: Process evaluation found that the Ngati Porou Community Injury Prevention Project was based on sound principles related to injury prevention, as well as addressing Maori aspirations. The main activities undertaken were: road safety campaigns; alcohol and drug programmes; family violence initiatives; and the development of a playground safety audit. A significant increase in awareness of injury prevention was found among Ngati Porou whanau (families) (pre 17% and post 25%, p < 0.05). Injury morbidity statistics for the period 1996-99 showed a significant decrease in injury rates for all age groups, compared with the comparison community (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The Ngati Porou Community Injury Prevention Project successfully applied the principles of role modelling, life span focus, accessibility, acceptability and active participation. This is a promising model that could be repeated in other indigenous communities.