Half of Maori and Pacific deaths have been found to be potentially avoidable

That compares to 23 per cent for non-Maori and non-Pacific people.

The figures are in a study published in today's New Zealand Medical Journal, examining the gap in life expectancy between different New Zealanders.

The main contributors to avoidable death rates are heart disease - and trachea, bronchus and lung cancers.

For Maori males, suicide and car accidents also play a major role.

The study authors say the healthcare system needs to recognise and address the role of racism in creating the disparities.