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Background When COVID-19 emerged, there were well-founded fears that Māori (indigenous peoples of Aotearoa (New Zealand)) would be disproportionately affected, both in terms of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 itself and through the impact of lock-down measures. A key way in which Kōkiri (a Māori health provider) responded was through the establishment of a pātaka kai (foodbank) that also provided a gateway to assess need and deliver other support services to whānau (in this case, client). Māori values were integral to this approach, with manaakitanga (kindness or providing care for others) at the heart of Kōkiri’s actions. We sought to identify how Kōkiri operated under the mantle of manaakitanga, during Aotearoa’s 2020 nationwide COVID-19 lockdown and to assess the impact of their contributions on Māori whānau. Methods We used qualitative methods underpinned by Māori research methodology. Twenty-six whānau interviews and two focus groups were held, one with eight kaimahi (workers) and the other with seven rangatahi (youth) kaimahi. Data was gathered between June and October 2020 (soon after the 2020 lockdown restrictions were lifted), thematically analysed and interpreted using a Māori worldview. Results Three key themes were identified that aligned to the values framework that forms the practice model that Kōkiri kaimahi work within. Kaitiakitanga, whānau and manaakitanga are also long-standing Māori world values. We identified that kaitiakitanga (protecting) and manaakitanga (with kindness) - with whānau at the centre of all decisions and service delivery - worked as a protective mechanism to provide much needed support within the community Kōkiri serves. Conclusions Māori health providers are well placed to respond effectively in a public-health crisis when resourced appropriately and trusted to deliver. We propose a number of recommendations based on the insights generated from the researchers, kaimahi, and whānau. These are that: Māori be included in pandemic planning and decision-making, Māori-led initiatives and organisations be valued and adequately resourced, and strong communities with strong networks be built during non-crisis times.

This research explores the experience of low-income New Zealanders during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and their advice to the Government about addressing future pandemics. New Zealand had a rapid and effective lockdown that meant the virtual elimination of community transmission.Twenty-seven semi-structured interviews were undertaken with low-income people in June-July 2020 immediately after lockdown was lifted.Life during lockdown was challenging for study participants. They were fearful of the virus and experienced mental distress and isolation. Most participants felt safe at home and reported coping financially while still experiencing financial stress. Participants were resourceful and resilient. They coped with lockdown by using technology, self-help techniques and support from others. New Zealand's welfare state ensured participants had access to health services and welfare payments, but there were challenges. Welfare payments did not fully meet participants' needs, and support from charitable organisations was critical. Participants were overwhelmingly positive about the Government's response and advised the Government to take the same approach in the future. This is a particularly reassuring finding from some of the most vulnerable New Zealanders.An early and hard lockdown, the welfare state, compassion and clearly communicated leadership were keys to a successful lockdown for the low-income people in this study. Research of the experience of low-income people during pandemics is critical to ensuring inequities in pandemic impact are mitigated.