TIAKI research outlines roadmap to improve health and wellbeing for Māori leaving prison

On 3 November 2026, researchers from the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka released a comprehensive policy paper following the TIAKI research project, which focused on the health and wellbeing of Māori leaving the prison system. The project advocates for systemic changes to ensure that individuals returning to their whānau, hapū, and iwi are provided with the necessary foundations for a healthy and stable life. A central recommendation from the TIAKI team is the immediate review of Health NZ rules that currently lead to the disenrolment of individuals from Primary Health Organisations when they enter prison. The researchers noted that approximately one-quarter of Māori released from prison are not enrolled with a GP in the subsequent year. They are calling for a new healthcare model developed in partnership with those who have lived experience to ensure continuity of care between the prison environment and the community. The TIAKI project also highlighted the vital role of Māori providers. According to the research, Māori released from prison consistently expressed a preference for working with Māori-owned and governed providers, reporting that these services often "changed everything" regarding their transition. The researchers are urging the Government to properly fund these services and to incorporate iwi and hapū into the procurement of safe, high-quality housing. Financial stability is another key focus of the research. TIAKI found that the current $350 Steps to Freedom grant has remained stagnant since 1991, despite their costing showing that the first week after release actually requires between $1170 and $1800. By increasing this grant and improving coordination between the Ministry of Social Development and Corrections, the project aims to reduce the risk to Māori during the critical first month of community re-entry.