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March 26, 2026
#hauora: Kaupapa Māori dementia centre to transform care for kaumātua in Waikato
Dale Husband
Posted On March 26, 2026
Download AudioA groundbreaking kaupapa Māori dementia centre is being established in Waikato, led by Te Kōhao Health Managing Director Lady Tureiti Moxon, in a move aimed at reshaping how mate wareware is understood and supported within Māori communities.
The initiative responds to growing concern that existing dementia services are not meeting the cultural, social, and holistic needs of Māori, particularly kaumātua. In Waikato, where demand for aged care support continues to rise, Māori whānau have often faced barriers accessing services that reflect their values, language, and lived realities. The new centre is designed to address those gaps directly by embedding tikanga Māori and whānau-centred approaches into every aspect of care.
At its core, the facility will operate on Māori models of wellbeing, recognising that mate wareware is not simply a clinical condition but one that impacts whakapapa, identity, and collective whānau structures. Care will be delivered in ways that uphold mana and ensure kaumātua remain connected to their culture, language, and environment. This includes creating spaces where te reo Māori is normalised, tikanga is practised daily, and whānau are actively involved in decision-making and support.
The centre also seeks to move away from institutional-style care that can isolate individuals from their cultural foundations. Instead, it prioritises a more holistic and relational model, where emotional, spiritual, and cultural wellbeing are treated alongside physical health. For many whānau, this represents a significant shift from mainstream dementia services that have often struggled to engage Māori or provide culturally safe care.
Current gaps in the dementia care system have seen Māori disproportionately underserved, with limited access to kaupapa Māori providers, long wait times, and services that do not always recognise the importance of whānau involvement. This has placed additional pressure on families who often take on caregiving roles without adequate support or resources. The Waikato-based centre is intended to relieve some of that burden while ensuring care aligns with Māori values.
Beyond its immediate impact, the initiative is expected to influence how dementia care is delivered across Aotearoa. By demonstrating the effectiveness of kaupapa Māori approaches, it has the potential to set a new benchmark for culturally grounded health services and encourage wider system change.
The development signals a broader shift toward Māori-led solutions in health, where services are designed by Māori, for Māori, and reflect the realities of the communities they serve. For Waikato, it marks a significant step forward in ensuring kaumātua living with mate wareware can age with dignity, connection, and cultural integrity.
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