Noho Haumaru: Reflecting on Māori approaches to staying safe during Covid-19 in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

Article by Leonie Pihama and Marjorie Lipsham. Vol. 9, No. 3. Journal of Indigenous Social Development.

November 1, 2020.

After living for generations virus free Māori have had to struggle with the introduction of diseases since our first contact with Pākehā in 1769. Māori have experienced a number of epidemics and pandemics over the past 271 years. We have also known the failure of successive colonial governments to ensure the protection and wellbeing of our people. This article looks briefly at these historical experiences and provides reflection on some ways in which Iwi (tribal groups) and Māori organisations have utilised cultural practices to protect our communities during the Covid-19 crisis.