To scope traditional and contemporary understandings of ‘whānau consent’ in regards to genetic, tissue and organ testing, collection, donation and banking.

To understand how whānau go about gaining ‘whānau consent’ and what processes may support these conversations.

To scope ways in which we can present information about what helps and hinders whānau discussion about consent in an interactive format for whānau to view, supporting them through an informed consent process for genetic-related testing, treatment and/or research.

The need for this project arises from a previous study conducted by MidCentral District Health Board (MDHB), which identified the following questions as essential:

1.              What are the experiences of long-term conditions for tangata Māori?

2.              What are the main support systems utilised by tangata Māori in the 'self-management' of their long-term conditions?

How will tikanga Māori empower the evaluation of the experience of Māori whānau in crisis to measure the performance of the Government’s new obligations in law to Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

Our longterm objective is to bring new evaluative knowledge to empower the mana of whānau in crisis. 

Māori have clearly and consistently stressed that a Māori child’s wellbeing is inherently linked to their place within, and connection to, whānau, hapū and iwi.

This summer internship joins and contributes to a research project on Māori whānau experience of Hospital Transfers by being involved and undertaking literature review, in depth analysis of interview data and considering and reflecting on their research and the research impact and contribution.

Pregnancy is well known as consisting of 3 gestational periods; however very little research has been conducted that explores the postpartum, 4th trimester. The 4th trimester refers to the 3 month period post-birth, and may extend up to a year depending on social, physical and emotional issues related to birthing and motherhood. The 4th trimester is crucial for the psycho-social development of babies as they adjust to their new life outside the womb.

This qualitative summer internship research aims to:
Explore key components of a child health consultation with te reo speaking tamariki and whānau in a primary health care setting. Specific objectives include:
• Identify the structure that doctors employ in a consultation with te reo speaking tamariki
• Explore te reo speaking tamariki and whānau experiences in a primary health care setting
• Investigate the value of te reo in a child health care setting

Intern: Kara Beckford

Supervisor: Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora

Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga

This internship project seeks to create a foundational annotated database of takatāpui literature and resources, including whakawahine and tangata ira tane and other gender non-conforming takatāpui, which are often left out of the narrative.

This project assisted the research network in conducting a thorough literature and resource search, with the output being a themed annotated bibliography.

The purpose of this summer internship project is to conduct an extensive search and review of literature relating to the constructs ‘wairua’ and ‘mauri’.

What is the cost of Māori health inequities in Aotearoa?              

In New Zealand, the most compelling and consistent health inequalities occur between Māori and non-Māori.  Although the cost of reducing inequalities is perceived as high, a recent study for Māori children showed that the economic cost of “doing nothing” is significant for New Zealand society highlighting the fact that such inequalities are preventable, unnecessary and a breach of human rights.