A groundbreaking marae-based mate wareware (dementia) care clinic established in Kaitāia has been hailed a success after its first six months and extended indefinitely. The Centre for Brain Research, Te Huinga Hinengaro at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland partnered with Northland iwi Ngāpuhi and Te Rarawa, and kaupapa Māori -led health organisation Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi to pilot the clinic aimed at assisting kaiāwhina, carers of people with mate wareware. Director of the Centre for Brain Research Te Huinga Hinengaro, Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull (Ngāti Rahiri, Te Ātiawa), announced the project’s extension at a July 11 event, stating that “it’s not a textbook approach, it’s revolutionary”.
“An ingredient for success has been found here on the marae that we cannot find in any lab,” Faull said. Dr Makarena Dudley (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu), a long-time researcher of mate wareware, said the aim was to develop a culturally resonant model for kaiāwhina..
