Understanding the distribution of Mãori across stages of health behaviour change (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance) may inform the development of public health programs. In a replication and extension of a study by Nigg et al. (1999) we described the distribution of 73 Mãori male questionnaire respondents (age 18 to 59 years) across these stages for 8 healthy behaviours (avoiding dietary fat, eating fibre, reducing weight, regularly exercising, reducing stress, reducing sun exposure, using sunblock, and conducting cancer self-examinations). Respondents were also asked to rate their general health, health worries, and health locus of control. Evidence found of a continuum of change for ‘ignoring’, to ‘thinking about1 to ‘performing’ healthy behaviour provides moderate support for the idea that behaviour change is not an all-or-nothing event. There were no significant age effects. Respondents who rated their health more positively were more likely to report using sunblock, exercising regularly, and eating a high fibre diet. Respondents who felt they had more control over their health were more likely to eat a diet high in fibre. Eating a high fibre diet, exercising and managing stress were most strongly associated with the other health behaviours which may illustrate the concept of gateway behaviours proposed by Nigg et al. (1999).
