A new study's looking at how to get more Maori and Pasifika involved in clinical trials

Medical experts and the Ministry of Health are teaming up to increase access for underrepresented groups, including those living in rural areas.

Auckland University Liggins Institute director Frank Bloomfield says , as well as contributing to the greater good, study participants may have access to better healthcare and treatment than usual.

He says there's evidence that, just taking part in a trial, even if it's not successful, improves healthcare outcomes.