Abstract: Aims to explore the influences on health and health care engagement from the experiences of urban Maori women using Kokiri Marae Health and Social Services (KMHSS), Lower Hutt, NZ. Conducts unstructured interviews which are analysed thematically. Employs the nursing theory of cultural safety, Kawa Whakaruruhau, to inform a qualitative approach to the examination of the historical, social, cultural, economic, political, racial and gendered factors contributing to Maori women's health and health-care engagement. Makes recommendations for nursing practice, research site and research.