Reflections on the co-design process of a holistic assessment tool for a Kaupapa Māori antenatal wānanga (workshop)

Co-designed health initiatives are gaining popularity in Aotearoa (New Zealand). However, emerging research identifies potential pitfalls for Indigenous populations, particularly Māori (Indigenous Peoples of Aotearoa), when Kaupapa principles ignored. Using the He Pikinga Waiora Implementation (HPW) framework as a guide, this paper provides an autoethnographic reflective account co-design process that led to development and implementation Whirihia holistic assessment tool antenatal wānanga (workshop) Te Korowai Aroha. The resulted culturally appropriate responsive provided quality needs pathway māmā hapū (pregnant women) their whānau (family). This examples key considerations align HPW hope it will afford some guidance fellow researchers who wish undertake ethical co-designed with (and non-Māori) communities organisations.Glossary words: Aotearoa: New Zealand; hapū: sub-tribes; hapūtanga: pregnancy; hui: meeting; ipu: clay pot; iwi: tribe; Māori: ideology incorporating knowledge, skills, attitudes values society; māmā: mothers; pregnant women; people Aotearoa; Pākehā: non-Māori (most often Zealand European); pēpi: infant; pono: true, valid, honest, genuine; pōwhiri: welcome ceremony; te ao world view; reo language; tika: correct, accurate, appropriate; tikanga: beliefs; wahakura: woven flax basket can be used parental bed; waiata: song; wānanga: workshop; whakawhānau: birth; whakawhanaungatanga: relationship/connections; family; whenua: afterbirth; land.