This Article supports SDG 3 by analysing contemporary mortality data to examine Māori and non-Māori mortality rates in rural and urban areas, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address the health inequities faced by rural Māori populations. This is the first study in a decade to compare Māori mortality rates across the urban rural spectrum and it is the first study to do so using an urban: rural geographic classification developed for use in health policy and research.