For tamariki with hearing loss, early intervention is of critical importance in maximising speech and language, socio-emotional and academic development outcomes. Better hearing outcomes can be achieved by minimising diagnosis delays and initiating intervention treatment as soon as possible. Preliminary data from Waikato District Health Board indicated an equity gap at the point of diagnosis with persisting inequities for tamariki Māori during the delivery of early intervention services. High rates of appointment non-attendance within this group (27% Māori vs. 8% for non-Māori) are a cause for concern when approximately 50% of total appointments are for tamariki Māori. This research seeks to understand the experiences of Māori whānau accessing Waikato’s Audiology Early Intervention Service in order to identify changes the service can make to improve Māori engagement in the future. This study uses qualitative methodologies within a kaupapa Māori framework to investigate the access experiences of Māori whānau of tamariki identified with hearing loss. Interviews with six whānau from Hamilton city and rural Waikato provided rich narratives to inform changes to the Audiology Service to improve the hearing outcomes of tamariki Māori. Whānau shared systems and practical barriers that contributed to challenges with attending appointments including the location, appointment timing, travel and parking. From entering an unwelcoming waiting area, whānau described the added stress experienced to the depth of their emotional response to the hearing loss diagnosis. All shared positive interactions with staff and detailed what could have made their health experience better. After leaning into the kōrero and connecting to the whānau experience, a Manaaki-based pathway is proposed to support Māori ways of being, to ease whānau through the barriers and to combat the alienating experiences of engaging with the health system.