Whakarongo ki te reo o te Whānau: Māmā Māori Experiences and the Reimagining of Well Child Health Services in Aotearoa New Zealand

Early childhood support services shape infant health outcomes and conditions, enabling māmā (mother) and whānau (extended family) to flourish. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Well Child Tamariki Ora (WCTO) services operate within a health system shaped by colonial governance and Western biomedical norms, where Māori parenting knowledge has been marginalised. This article explores māmā Māori experiences of WCTO services. Drawing on 65 kōrero from Wāhi Kōrero, a story-sharing platform, we undertook qualitative kaupapa Māori analysis of responses to the prompt ‘Kōrero I wish I could’ve had with the Well Child nurse’. Findings highlight cultural and structural challenges, including judgement, cultural dismissal, and limited recognition of Māori parenting knowledge. Kōrero also reveal examples of mana-enhancing care grounded in listening, affirmation, and relational support. Rather than positioning māmā as disengaged or deficient, findings reveal discernment, strength, and commitment to pēpi wellbeing. Transformation requires embedding Māori ways of knowing and caring within service design and delivery.