Māori experiences of neuroimaging practice in Aotearoa: illuminating cultural needs and opportunities to support whānau Māori (Māori families)

Background Culturally safe health care relies on partnering with Indigenous communities to determine and meet their care needs. For Māori, the head – and particularly the roro (brain) – is regarded as the most tapu (sacred) part of the body, yet there are currently no national-level guidelines for conducting neuroimaging in Aotearoa. Describing Māori experiences and their cultural considerations for neuroimaging practices offers opportunities to support culturally safe neuroimaging practice. Methods A Māori-centred approach guided this study. Semi-structured uiuinga (interviews) with three Māori men (aged 20, 21 and 46 years), who had previously participated in an electroencephalography session, were co-led by Māori and non-Māori researchers. Results Reflexive thematic analysis identified key themes across the neuroimaging journey, highlighting the importance of relational engagement, culturally grounded communication to support shared decision-making, and the integration of Māori values to enhance whānau confidence, agency and wellbeing. A second stage of collective data analysis, known as mahi ā-rōpū, involved participants, Māori language and tikanga (cultural) experts, and researchers informing the co-design of neuroimaging guidelines to enhance culturally safe practice in Aotearoa. Conclusion The research offers insight into Māori experiences of neuroimaging, and shows how Indigenous perspectives can be meaningfully integrated to ensure healthcare practices align with Māori values. The guideline proposed is an iterative starting point to inform care design, supporting both whānau and professionals when undertaking neuroimaging in Aotearoa.