New research into kaumātua health and wellbeing

In 2024/25, the Foundation funded a Ngāti Hine Kaumātua Needs Assessment research project which was conducted by the Kingi Ihaka Research Centre in collaboration with the Ngāti Hine Health Trust. The project highlighted the urgent challenges facing Māori elders, including housing insecurity, health inequities, social isolation and digital exclusion.

The research found that only 24.6% of Ngāti Hine kaumātua own or partly own their homes, significantly lower than the national Māori homeownership average. Three out of four kaumātua rely on rental housing or shared family accommodations with 28.9% reporting crowded housing conditions. 41.7% of kaumātua live in damp housing, significantly increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses.

The Ngāti Hine Kaumātua Needs Assessment engaged a total of 54 kaumātua in the research process. Participants were involved through a series of focus groups and hui, held in Waikare Marae, Moerewa Community Centre, and the offices of He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust in Moerewa. Additionally, 15 kaumātua took part in the initial Ngāti Hine hui, which helped shape the research focus. The research also incorporated insights from Ngāti Hine Health Trust staff, providing a broader context of kaumātua needs and challenges.

The research provides a clear pathway for action in supporting kaumātua-led solutions to their health and wellbeing challenges delivered through kaupapa Māori methods. The Selwyn Foundation and Ngāti Hine will work on a programme that seeks to address and advocate for health, housing, digital inclusion and funding changes to embed Māori-led approaches to kaumātua health and wellbeing.

Kuia at the launch of the Ngāti Hine Kaumātua Needs Assessment report at the northern Iwi leaders’ forum extension event in Moerewa on 30 March 2025.

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