Aotearoa risks following global trends where HIV has
become a disease of the marginalised — unless urgent
action is taken. A new study released exposes critical gaps
in HIV prevention for Māori men and takatāpui, and
launches a new booklet designed to empower communities with
culturally relevant information on PrEP (pre exposure
prophylaxis) and sexual health.
The research,
Investigating Barriers and Enablers to Preventive HIV
Access for Māori Communities, reveals that Māori
continue to face cultural, systemic, and personal barriers
to HIV prevention — including stigma, fear, and healthcare
services that often feel unwelcoming or
unsafe.
“People still feel whakamā about seeking
sexual health services. They’re worried about being
judged, misunderstood, or even outed. That’s not good
enough in 2025,” says Dr Clive Aspin, Research Project
Advisory Group.
Disparities in HIV
diagnoses
National data shows a concerning trend:
while HIV diagnoses among Pākehā have dropped dramatically
— from 53 in 2019 to 28 in 2023 — diagnoses among Māori
have slightly increased, from 17 to 19 over the same period.
This growing inequity signals that Māori are not benefiting
equally from existing prevention
strategies.
“These numbers may seem small, but
they tell a bigger story. Without culturally grounded
responses, Aotearoa risks becoming a nation where HIV
disproportionately affects its Indigenous people — just as
it has elsewhere in the world,” says Dr Amohia Boulton,
Research Director.
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Protecting people
from HIV is not just about individual health – it
strengthens the wellbeing of entire whānau. This research
informs strategies to improve outcomes for Māori by
acknowledging and addressing the unique experiences of
Māori. By centring te ao Māori in HIV prevention, this
study supports the right of Māori to protect
our
whakapapa in ways that uphold mana
and avoid stigma. When Māori can access care and
information that reflect who we are, all of us – stand to
benefit.
A legacy of stigma — and a call for
change
The research highlights how the trauma of the
1980s AIDS crisis still echoes in Māori communities, with
lasting stigma, fear, and misinformation deterring people
from accessing care. Participants described discrimination
in healthcare settings, lack of privacy, and shame tied to
sexual health — especially for takatāpui
Māori.
Turning research into action: a new
resource
To support that change, the team has
developed a new community booklet that responds directly to
the research findings. The resource provides:
•
Easy-to-follow information on PrEP and HIV
prevention;
• Culturally resonant explanations
grounded in kaupapa Māori;
• Voices and experiences
from the Māori community;
• Guidance for whānau,
providers, and allies on how to create safe, stigma-free
spaces for care.
This resource aligns with the
National HIV Action Plan for Aotearoa (2023–2030),
which seeks to eliminate new HIV transmissions and
ensure everyone living with HIV can lead healthy lives free
from stigma.
“Sexual health should be a normal
part of wellbeing — not something shrouded in shame,”
says Dr Clive Aspin. “This booklet is a practical,
powerful tool to help shift the kōrero and make prevention
accessible to all Māori.”
Acknowledging
partners and looking forward
The research team also
extends deep appreciation to the advisory partners whose
knowledge, lived experience, and guidance shaped the
direction and depth of the pilot study. Their contribution
helped ensure the work was grounded, relevant, and
responsive to the diverse realities of the communities and
sectors involved.
The booklet and full research
findings are available
at:
https://www.whakauae.co.nz/publications
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