Māori health providers are well placed to respond effectively in a public health crisis when resourced appropriately and trusted to deliver, according to a case study of Kōkiri Marae Hauora (Kōkiri) in the Hutt Valley, New Zealand. Between June and October 2020, shortly after the first COVID-19 lockdown ended, interviews were conducted with 26 Kōkiri whānau (clients) and focus groups held with 15 Kōkiri kaimahi (workers). Findings were interpreted using a Māori worldview. The study found that kaitiakitanga (protecting) and manaakitanga (with kindness) – with whānau at the centre of all decisions and service delivery – worked as a protective mechanism to provide much needed support within the community served by Kōkiri. The study authors recommended that Māori be included in pandemic planning and decision-making, that Māori-led initiatives and organisations be valued and adequately resourced, and that strong communities with strong networks be built during non-crisis times.
