Type 2 diabetes and the appalling suicide rates among Māori men are putting renewed pressure on the health system, with questions being asked about whether the resources are there to meet the scale of the need.
Dale speaks with senior Māori health leader John Whaanga about two of the most serious health challenges facing whānau across Aotearoa today.
Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing long-term conditions in the country, with Māori disproportionately affected and often diagnosed earlier than non-Māori. The disease can lead to serious complications including heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and amputations.
At the same time, suicide rates among men remain deeply concerning, particularly for Māori communities where grief and trauma continue to affect whānau across generations.
Health advocates say the issues are well known. The causes are also well understood, including poverty, housing stress, poor access to primary care, food insecurity, disconnection, trauma, and a health system that has not always served Māori well.
The bigger question is whether government agencies and health providers have the funding, workforce and community support needed to respond properly.
For Māori men, barriers to getting help can include cost, shame, mistrust of services, long waiting times, and a lack of culturally safe care. Many do not seek support until a health issue has become urgent.
Whaanga says the response must be stronger, earlier and closer to whānau. That means investing in kaupapa Māori services, prevention, mental health support, diabetes education, and community-led models that meet people where they are.
Whānau support is also critical. Health leaders say Māori men are more likely to engage when services include their whānau, respect tikanga and focus on wellbeing rather than blame.
The message is clear: Aotearoa cannot keep naming the problems without resourcing the solutions.
If the country is serious about reducing diabetes, suicide and preventable deaths among Māori men, then investment must reach the frontline, support Māori providers and give whānau the tools to act early.
