Karaka-Clarke, Te HurinuiRobertshaw, ClaireClarke, Awhi2025-10-052025-10-052025-09-24Karaka-Clarke, T. H., Robertshaw, C., & Clarke, A. (2025). Pūrākau, death, and assisted dying: A Māori framework for understanding end-of-life. International Journal of Indigenous Health, 21, 1-18.2291-9368https://hdl.handle.net/10289/17689This conceptual article addresses several critical gaps in health literature by exploring the ethical, spiritual, and cultural dimensions of assisted dying through the lens of Tikanga Māori and pūrākau (ancestral narratives). While existing end-of-life policy frameworks often prioritize Western bioethical principles, this article argues for the inclusion of Kaupapa Māori principles such as whakapapa, wairua, mana motuhake, and tapu/ noa as essential components of culturally resonant care. Drawing upon foundational narratives including the separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, the creation of Hineahuone, the transformation of Hinetītama into Hinenuitepō, and the fatal attempt of Māui to conquer death, we position pūrākau as dynamic ethical texts that guide decision-making. This article contributes to Indigenous health discourse by offering a whānau-centred, tikanga-informed critique of the End-of-Life Choice Act 2019 and calls for broader recognition of spiritual and relational dimensions in end-of-life care. We contend that, when under-taken with whānau engagement, spiritual awareness, and cultural integrity, may be ethically compatible with tikanga MāorienAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Pūrākau, Assisted Dying, Tikanga Māori, Mōair Cosmology, End of Life: Ethics, Mana Motuhake, Wairua, Whakapapa, Relational AutonomyJournal Article2291-936845 Indigenous studies