RESUMEN
AIM: To investigate Maori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand) understandings of dementia, its causes, and ways to manage a whanau (extended family) member with dementia. METHOD: We undertook kaupapa Maori research (Maori informed research) with 223 kaumatua (Maori elders) who participated in 17 focus groups across seven study regions throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and eight whanau from the Waikato region. We audio recorded all interviews, transcribed them and then coded and categorised the data into themes. RESULTS: Mate wareware (becoming forgetful and unwell) ('dementia') affects the wairua (spiritual dimension) of Maori. The findings elucidate Maori understandings of the causes of mate wareware, and the role of aroha (love, compassion) and manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness, generosity, support, caring) involved in caregiving for whanau living with mate wareware. Participants perceived cultural activities acted as protective factors that optimised a person's functioning within their whanau and community. CONCLUSION: Whanau are crucial for the care of a kaumatua with mate wareware, along with promoting healthy wairua for all. Whanau urgently need information to assist with their knowledge building and empowerment to meet the needs of a member affected by mate wareware. This requires collaborative healthcare practice and practitioners accessing the necessary matauranga Maori (Maori knowledge) to provide culturally appropriate and comprehensive care for whanau.