Community action research is an effective mechanism to improve the relationship between research and public health practice. The Alcohol and Public Health Research Unit (APHRU) and its Maöri research partner Whariki have developed practice in building partnerships with communities characterized by mutual respect of the different resources the partners bring to public health. A current APHRU/Whariki project focused on youth and drugs is a partnership with six communities in rural and urban areas throughout New Zealand, many predominantly Maöri. This project illustrates a model that aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, and to improve health and well-being through working with communities to increase their capacity to deal with alcohol and drug issues, and to introduce sustainable initiatives.