Peer-reviewed article

Disparities in the Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccination Between Māori and Non-Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Mbinta JF, Satherley N, Sporle AA, Sheppard J, Su'a-Tavila A et al. · 8 Feb 2026

Abstract

Since the first COVID-19 case, the Aotearoa New Zealand response has been adjusted to match the evolving virus, transitioning from elimination to protection. Using whole-of-population data, this study aimed to examine variables associated with COVID-19 vaccination among Māori and quantify the gap in COVID-19 immunisation coverage between Māori and non-Māori. A retrospective study was conducted using microdata from Stats NZ. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of being unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated as a function of the independent variables, adjusting for the effects of all other variables in the adjusted model. Primary Health Organisation (PHO) enrolees (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10-0.11) and individuals with a household income exceeding NZ$100,001 per annum (aOR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.30-0.36) had lower odds of being unvaccinated (more likely to be vaccinated). Disability (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.48-1.56), household crowding (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.17-1.24), poor housing quality (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.07-1.14), three or more generation family type (aOR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.13-1.21) and the presence of a child aged under five in the household (aOR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.47-1.55) were associated with being unvaccinated. We found sizeable gaps in COVID-19 vaccination rates between Māori and non-Māori.