Lay summary
The kaupapa of this proposed Māori-centered research is to develop an understanding of how dementia mate wareware affects whānau Māori, and to investigate how impacted whānau want to be supported within their community, an area that has received scant attention. To achieve this, mutual, respectful partnerships need to be formed between Māori researchers and mana whenua to identify the issues, challenges, and strengths specific to Māori whānau supporting a person with dementia mate wareware (PWD). This will allow culturally appropriate support to be collaboratively developed to facilitate dementia friendly communities. Gaining a better understanding of whānau (and hapu) experiences of dementia mate wareware will also ensure support is whānau-led rather than service-led or government-led.