Lay summary
This research explores the need for a Māori-led aged residential care (ARC) facility for Ngāti Awa, designed to deliver culturally aligned care that reflects Māori values and practices. Current ARC services often lack the cultural sensitivity needed for Māori kaumātua (elders), making this study both exploratory and innovative as it seeks to address these gaps with a by Māori, for Māori approach to care. The research will use wānanga, traditional Māori gatherings as a key methodology to engage kaumātua, caregivers, and whānau in open discussions about their needs, preferences, and expectations. These insights will guide the co-design of an ARC model that incorporates tikanga Māori (customs), te reo Māori (language), and whānau-centred care principles, ensuring that kaumātua feel respected, and culturally supported. This research is potentially transformative because it creates a culturally safe care model for Ngāti Awa but also offers a scalable framework that other iwi can adopt.