The 2026 Te Wai Taramea Māori Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Workforce Report brings forward the voices of the Māori AOD workforce at a time of significant political, funding, and sector change.
Access the full 2026 Te Wai Taramea Māori AOD Workforce Report here.
Rather than looking back, this year’s report highlights real‑time impacts documenting how recent funding cuts and shifts in the current political environment are being felt across the workforce, right now.
“My moemoeā is for a well-resourced, valued, and culturally grounded AOD workforce where kaimahi are supported to thrive, not just survive. This includes equitable funding, strong kaupapa Māori services in every region, recognised workforce pathways, and access to cultural and clinical supervision. I envision an AOD system that is mana-enhancing, whānau-centred, and Tiriti-honouring, where lived experience and mātauranga Māori are respected alongside clinical expertise, and where kaimahi wellbeing is prioritised as essential to achieving oranga for whānau and communities.”
At its core, this report is grounded in lived experience and reflects what Māori AOD kaimahi are navigating daily in their roles, services, and hapori.
Key findings from the 2026 report include:
- Political and funding instability is affecting workforce capability and sustainability
- Recruitment and retention remain ongoing challenges
- Cultural loading continues to disproportionately impact Māori practitioners
Whare Tukutuku would like to acknowledge and thank the Māori AOD workforce who contributed to this report. The willingness of participants to share their whakaaro and lived realities has been critical to building an evidence base that reflects the true state of the workforce and strengthens advocacy at local, regional, and national levels.
This report is intended to inform funders, decision‑makers, service leaders, and advocates, and to support collective action toward a Māori AOD workforce that is resourced, valued, and sustained.
Access the full 2026 Te Wai Taramea Māori AOD Workforce Report here.
