Bridging The Gap In HIV Prevention For Māori: Insights And Resources Now Available

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.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

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

© Scoop Media