$1.5M for community driven Māori health research

$1.5M for community driven Māori health research

The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) has announced $1.5M funding for seven exciting projects through its newest funding stream for Māori health research. Developing Māori capability and knowledge is the prime focus of Nga Kanohi Kitea Māori Knowledge and Development Research grants. The funding provides an opportunity for iwi, hapu and community groups to investigate a well-defined community identified area of Māori health need or gain and is targeted at groups who have not had significant research funding but want to build their capability in this area.

“The HRC is pleased to support community organisations in leading research driven by their own needs. Because of their unique position these groups have great potential to make real changes on the ground,” says HRC Chief Executive, Dr Robin Olds.

Bioremediation of PCP and Dioxin contaminated sites within the Whakatane District is the focus of a project led by Te Runanga o Ngati Awa. The research team, comprising Joe Harawira, Riritahi Williams, Tracey Godfery, Liliana Clark and Bev Hughes, are undertaking a project which will build the science capacity of Ngati Awa and the wider Bay of Plenty community, investigate various methods of bioremediation, and identify a process for multi-partisan engagement in bioremediation that values indigenous participation. The ultimate aim of this project is to restore the wellbeing of the soils and people of Ngati Awa.

Another project aims to provide a better understanding of the concept of rites of passage in contemporary Māori society. Researchers from Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa, who is hosting the project, will explore what aspects of young people’s communities assist them in their transition to adulthood. The project will result in the development of culturally specific strategies to support youth in the transition from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood.

Nga Kanohi Kitea Funding Round Results

Ngaitai Iwi Authority (Opotiki), Toiora: Conceptualisation and Measurement for Iwi and Māori Communities, $250,000.

Te Kupenga Matauranga o Taranaki Trust (Taranaki), Māori Identity-based Community Development as a Sustainable Approach to Māori Health Promotion, $250,000.

Te Roopu Taiao o Utakura (Hokianga), Working for the River will lift the Health of the People, $240,139.

Te Ropu Wahine Māori Toko I te Ora o Te Waipounamu (Christchurch), Te Mana o te Whanau, $153,147.

Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa Trust (Hamilton), Strengthening the capability of Māori communities to support whānau aspirations for Whānau Ora, $177,984.

Te Runanga o Ngati Awa (Whakatane), Bringing Together Matauranga Māori, Western Science, Medicine and People to Heal the Kopeopeo Canal, $250,000.

Tu Tama Wahine o Taranaki (Taranaki), Tupu Ake: Developing a Kaupapa Māori Definition of Resiliency for Rangatahi in Taranaki, $250,000.

ENDS