Mate wareware
Dementia
This kaupapa is about raising awareness of Mate Wareware among whānau Māori and ensuring our people have access to the right support, at the right time, with the right care.
About Mate Wareware (Dementia)
Mate Wareware affects our pakeke, but it also affects whānau, supporters, carers, and entire communities. When people receive a timely and accurate diagnosis, along with wrap-around support, they can maintain fuller, more meaningful, and active lives.
Raising awareness ensures that:
- Whānau recognise early signs
- Pakeke access care sooner
- Support networks strengthen
- Mate wareware is understood through a Māori worldview
Watch: The Dementia Awareness Series
Co-designed with whānau and our community, this video series follows the journey of understanding, accepting and supporting loved ones with Mate Wareware.
Watch the full video series here
Information about Mate Wareware support
Rehua Ārahi Mate Wareware Service
Whānau-Centred Support for Diagnosis, Care & Navigation
The Rehua Ārahi Mate Wareware Service provides kaupapa Māori support for tāngata mate wareware and their whānau across the Mātaatua rohe.
What We Offer
Kaiārahi (Navigators)
- Initial visit within 3 days of referral
- Weekly visits during the first 6 weeks
- Monthly visits ongoing, or more often if required
- Co-design of personalised whānau care plans
- Service coordination (medical, social supports, housing, counselling etc.)
- Emotional, practical and cultural support
Registered Nurse (RN) Support
- Mini-ACE cognitive assessments
- Completed in the whānau home within 7 days
- Coordination with Rehua Medical GPs and specialists
Transport Support
- Waka Manaaki: free mobility-friendly transport service for tāngata whaikaha Māori
How to Access Support
Contact Te Puna Ora o Mātaatua
Te Puna Ora delivers all post-diagnostic dementia navigation and whānau support services.
Address: 92 King Street, Whakatāne
Email: homebase@tpoom.co.nz
Phone: 0800 628 228
[Button: Request Support]
Links to your referral form or support contact channel.
Where Services Are Delivered
Service Locations (Whakatāne)
Rehua Medical Centre
90 King Street, Whakatāne
Mobile Outreach via Rehua Nuku Ora
Delivered to hapori, hapū and marae across:
- Ruatoki
- Waiohau
- Waimana
- Te Teko
- Poroporo
- Wairaka
- Kutarere / Ōpape
- Rotomā
- Mōtiti Island
(RFP page 7–8)
TPOOM RFP Dementia Mate Warewar…
Additional Supports for Whānau
The Kaiārahi help connect whānau with wider services including:
Health & Clinical
- GP care (Rehua Medical)
- Homebased nurses
- Rongoā Māori clinic
- ACC and disability support services
Whānau & Social Services
- Whānau Ora planning
- Housing repair support
- Counselling services
- Nutrition and healthy lifestyles programmes
Community & External Supports
- Dementia NZ (hyper link: https://dementia.nz/auckland/?region=auckland&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16392970313&gbraid=0AAAAADmTdv2keP3eURrfmnHL_z18ICAK7&gclid=CjwKCAiA86_JBhAIEiwA4i9Ju2RhuvvAJcSzKgyJrvL_7rSvZZdw5NfGVZweDYGH72cnCz1YN9JA-RoCTe0QAvD_BwE)
- Alzheimers NZ: https://dementia.nz/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16634884513&gbraid=0AAAAADmTdv2fpr12Z25rsLWVIgL_GTe4F&gclid=CjwKCAiA86_JBhAIEiwA4i9Ju2sFn1VYv2wR7_Fj-TbqFsWLe6azbllG7YldYll_n4O_E8d7Xe3CeBoCo-gQAvD_BwE
EXAMPLE IMAGE ONLY
Why This Kaupapa Matters
Our Vision for Whānau Māori
He Taonga te Wareware is not about fear, it is about connection, dignity, and early support.
We want every whānau Māori to:
- Know the signs of Mate Wareware
- Feel confident reaching out early
- Understand that diagnosis is not an ending
- See dementia within a te ao Māori worldview
- Access culturally grounded services that honour whakapapa, whānau, and wairuatanga
Mate wareware does not diminish a person’s mana.
Our role is to uphold it.