Waerea study

Māori Whānau Experiences of Assisted Dying (Mate Whakaahuru) in Aotearoa

Tēnā koutou katoa,

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā kārangatanga maha o te motu, tēnā koutou.
E ngā mate kua whetūrangitia, haere, haere, haere atu rā.
E ngā whānau pani e noho tonu nei i raro i te kapua o te pōuri, tēnā koutou.

Ko Waerea te ingoa o tēnei rangahau — he kupu e tohu ana i te whakawātea, te whakangāwari, me te whakatere i te ara uaua. I whakatūria tēnei kaupapa hei whakarongo ki ngā reo Māori e pā ana ki te assisted dying, kia rangona ai ngā wheako, ngā māharahara, ngā whakapono, me ngā tikanga e arahina ana i ēnei wā taumaha.

He nui te māia o te hunga i tuku mai i ō rātou kōrero. Nā koutou i whakakī te kete mātauranga, nā koutou i whakakaha te kaupapa. E kore e mimiti te mihi.

Ko te tūmanako, mā tēnei rangahau ka puāwai mai he māramatanga, he rauemi, he aratohu hei tautoko i ngā whānau Māori e hīkoi ana i tēnei ara.

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

About the Waerea Study

The Waerea study was undertaken by a team of researchers from Te Ārai Kāhui – Te Ārai Palliative Care and End of Life Research Group, based in the School of Nursing at the University of Auckland.

The project was led by Dr Tess Moeke-Maxwell (Senior Research Fellow and Co-Director, Te Ārai), alongside co-investigators Professor Linda Nikora and Associate Professor Jackie Robinson.

An experienced advisory rōpū supported the study. This rōpū included academic, clinical, cultural, and spiritual experts, as well as whānau representatives. Their collective wisdom ensured the research was guided by tikanga, integrity, and care for our communities.

Who Took Part

More than one hundred participants from Te Waipounamu (the South Island) to Te Hiku o te Ika (the Far North) generously shared their experiences.

Participants included:

  • Bereaved whānau who supported loved ones through an assisted dying application.
  • Individuals who were considering using the assisted dying service.
  • Māori whānau and individuals who did not support assisted dying (mate whakaahuru) ensuring diverse cultural and spiritual perspectives were represented.
  • Support workers involved in care, including:
    • Rongoā practitioners
    • Attending Medical Practitioners
    • Palliative care doctors and nurses
    • Health professionals
    • Chaplains
    • Kai mahi from hospitals and hospices
    • Funeral directors

Each voice was valued. Together, these kōrero deepen understanding of the benefits, complexities, challenges, and lived realities experienced by Māori.

The Aims of the Waerea Study

The Waerea study sought to:

  • Investigate Māori experiences of accessing and/or receiving assisted dying (mate whakaahuru).
  • Explore how whānau draw on and adapt tikanga to support assisted dying (mate whakaahuru).
  • Identify barriers and facilitators within the assisted dying (mate whakaahuru) process.
  • Understand the impact of assisted dying on whānau caregiving and bereavement.
  • Inform the development of practical guides and resources for whānau.

Funding

The Waerea study is funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand’s Rangahau Hauora Grant for the period 2023–2026.

Introduction

Tess Moeke-Maxwell

Waerea study interviews

Tess Moeke-Maxwell

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
My strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.