Whakauae is proud to celebrate the launch of Get Comfortable with Protection, a new national HIV combination prevention campaign developed to support whānau Māori.
Launched nationally on 20 August 2026, the campaign is an important milestone in a programme of work that has brought together Māori health research, community knowledge, communications expertise and the experiences of whānau.
Whakauae research helped provide the evidence and insights underpinning the development of the campaign. In partnership with Wai Rangahau and AWE, this research was translated into a community-informed social marketing approach designed to increase awareness and uptake of HIV combination prevention among Māori at risk of HIV.
The development process included research, wānanga and engagement with stakeholders, community representatives and people with lived experience. Their whakaaro shaped and refined the campaign at every step to ensure it was grounded in the realities, priorities and experiences of the people it is intended to reach.
At the heart of Get Comfortable with Protection is a simple idea: kōrero about protection and sexual wellbeing should feel normal and comfortable. Through relatable, whānau-centred stories, the campaign encourages conversations about protection, testing and wellbeing, while helping people understand the different HIV prevention options available.
The campaign provides information about a range of approaches, including condoms, regular testing, PrEP and PEP. Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora's Get Comfortable with Protection campaign also emphasises that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and that people can make choices based on their own circumstances, relationships and what feels right.
For Whakauae, the launch is an exciting example of research moving into action. It demonstrates what is possible when Māori research, lived experience, community engagement and creative expertise come together with a shared focus on improving outcomes for whānau Māori.
Explore and share the campaign: website link
