South Auckland advocate Rawiri David Ratū champions whānau wellbeing in alcohol reform debate

South Auckland community advocate Rawiri David Ratū is raising critical questions regarding the concentration of liquor outlets and their impact on Māori whānau wellbeing. Speaking on Thursday, 22 October 2026, Ratū highlighted the need for local communities to have a stronger voice in alcohol licensing decisions to ensure the safety and health of residents in Ōtara and the wider region. Ratū, who works with the Turehou Māori Wardens ki Ōtara Charitable Trust, told Radio Waatea that the current density of alcohol outlets in lower-income areas often intersects with existing health and socioeconomic inequalities. He argued that the debate should move beyond the right to purchase alcohol and instead focus on the wider consequences of harmful drinking, such as family hardship and community safety. According to the Radio Waatea report, research has linked higher outlet availability with increased risks of alcohol-related harm, placing additional pressure on family structures and tamariki. A central focus of Ratū’s advocacy is whether Māori organisations and grassroots groups have sufficient influence within local alcohol policies. He emphasized that the cumulative impact of multiple outlets should be a primary consideration for decision-makers, rather than assessing each application in isolation. This frontline perspective underscores the importance of kaupapa Māori approaches that recognise local leadership and whakapapa relationships as essential tools for community-led solutions. As the 2026 general election approaches, Ratū’s work brings issues of Māori health equity and community-led regulation to the forefront. The advocate suggests that meaningful change will require decision-makers to prioritise the long-term wellbeing of whānau over commercial interests, while ensuring communities have access to culturally appropriate support and prevention services.