Māori Spiritual Care During COVID-19 Lockdowns

Tending to wairua (spirit) and spiritual aspirations is of the utmost importance for Māori (Indigenous New Zealanders) during the end of life. The significance of wairua was apparent during the New Zealand COVID-19 lockdown periods when, despite many challenges, Māori families provided end-of-life care and adapted their funeral customs. This chapter draws from the Rapua te Mārama COVID-19 study, informed by Kaupapa Māori Research methods. The findings identify what supported families who cared for someone in their ‘bubble’ before, during, and following death, including conducting funerals and coping with bereavement. The first author and her team interviewed over 100 people, including bereaved whānau (extended family), palliative care health professionals, and funeral directors. An inductive thematic analysis found four themes highlighting the importance of wairua: Wairua is fundamental at the end of life; Wairua knows no boundaries and is connected to everything at the end of life; Wairua is a perceived sensation at the end of life; and Wairua is relational at the end of life. Palliative care must prioritise Indigenous cultural safety training and awareness among staff to ensure culturally safe environments for whānau, especially during national crises.