April 08, 2026

#hauora: Marae-Led Fight Against Dementia Targets Inequity for Māori

Dale Husband Posted On April 8, 2026

Dale Husband #hauora: Marae-Led Fight Against Dementia Targets Inequity for Māori

Māori are facing higher rates of mate wareware and are being diagnosed at younger ages than other New Zealanders, prompting urgent calls for a more culturally grounded response to dementia care.

Researchers from the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research are taking a marae-to-marae approach to address the growing inequity, working directly with whānau, hapū and iwi to improve understanding, diagnosis and support.

On the ground, the impacts of mate wareware are being felt far beyond the individual, with ripple effects across entire whānau. The condition can disrupt whakapapa connections, place heavy caregiving burdens on families and lead to social isolation, particularly when services are not aligned with Māori values and ways of living. In many cases, stigma and lack of culturally appropriate support delay diagnosis and intervention, worsening outcomes.

Health experts say traditional clinical settings often fail to engage Māori effectively, creating barriers to care. By taking services onto marae, outreach teams are able to meet whānau in familiar, trusted environments where conversations can happen more openly and holistically. This approach strengthens relationships, improves trust in the health system and increases the likelihood that whānau will seek help earlier.

Marae-based engagement also allows for care models that centre whānau rather than individuals, reflecting Māori perspectives on wellbeing and collective responsibility. This shift is seen as critical to improving both access and outcomes.

Advocates say meaningful change will require systemic reform across the health sector. This includes increased investment in kaupapa Māori services, stronger Māori representation in the health workforce, and training to ensure clinicians can deliver culturally safe and Te Tiriti-consistent care. There are also calls for better resourcing in rural areas, where access to specialist services is often limited.

Community-led solutions are being identified as key to addressing the issue, including early detection programmes, education initiatives to reduce stigma, and whānau-centred support networks that can respond quickly to emerging needs.

Researchers and Māori health leaders are urging closer partnerships between government, funders and marae to scale these initiatives, arguing that solutions designed and delivered by Māori are essential to closing the gap.

As mate wareware continues to rise, the marae-to-marae model is being seen as a vital step toward a more equitable system-one that recognises the cultural realities of Māori and places whānau at the heart of care.