Te Taumata Hauora o Te Kahu o Taonui has released a landmark report sharing the lived experiences of Māori mothers and their babies across Te Taitokerau and Tāmaki Makaurau. The findings reveal persistent barriers to care, cultural and systemic failures, and the ongoing impacts of racism, housing instability, mental health pressures, and fragmented services faced by Māmā and their whānau.

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Through hui with Māmā, whānau, and Māori providers, thousands of insights were gathered, painting a clear picture of a system that too often overlooks or undermines the realities of Māori families. Yet the report also carries a powerful vision for change: kaupapa Māori maternity hubs, strengthened Māori workforce, integrated wraparound support, and genuine cultural safety embedded across all levels of care.

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Chief Executive Boyd Broughton says the message from whānau could not be clearer: system leaders must design with whānau, not around them. Māmā want services that uphold their mana, reflect their whakapapa, and meet them with compassion.

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Te Āpōpōtanga – Māmā Voice ki Taitokerau–Tāmaki Makaurau is a call to action for leaders, policymakers, and agencies to move with urgency, courage, and partnership to create conditions where Māmā and Pēpi can truly thrive.