A lack of diversity in New Zealand's healthcare system is putting pressure on Maori doctors

The Medical Council has released a report on cultural safety and health equity for Maori.

Maori practitioners make up only 3.6 per cent of the medical profession, which leads to cultural loading.

Chair Doctor Curtis Walker says those few doctors are expected to wear multiple hats.

Dr Walker says not only do they need to be great doctors in the clinic, but also they have to be a health leader within hospitals and lead positive change in the wider system.