2823 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

2823 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter July to September 2024 on the action ‘Invest in a Māori mate wareware provider sector, and validate Māori models, tools and applications that are focused on: support for Māori dying with mate wareware’ under the objective ‘Support people living with dementia mate wareware and their family /whānau supporters/care partners to live their best possible lives’ within Te Whatu Ora’s Improving Dementia Mate Wareware Services in Aotearoa New Zealand Action Plan?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that during the July to September 2024 quarter, six trials continued to deliver care direct to Māori either via a service contract with a Māori health provider, or in partnership with a Māori health provider and iwi. These trials help address negative stereotypes and stigma, and deliver post diagnostic support, navigation and/or respite to priority populations including Māori. These trials: -support care partners and whānau to care for their loved one through education, support groups, and cultural appropriate information -support people to understand the mate wareware journey, from diagnosis to end of life -provide holistic care to nourish wairua -Rongoā Mate Wareware (Māori adapted Cognitive Stimulation Therapy) I am further advised the Mate Wareware app continues to be used to address misconceptions and negative stereotypes through accessible education. It also provides education on how to keep the brain active and to support individuals to maintain their independence