Five researchers at the University of Waikato are preparing to make an impact on health outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples, as they welcome more than half a million dollars worth of funding.
The Health Research Council (HRC) awarded $512,000 to researchers at the university for five projects focused on building knowledge and expertise of Māori and Pacific communities.
Dr Nikki Barret (Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Porou) was awarded the largest amount of $391,977 for a Māori Health Research Erihapeti Rehu-Murchie Postdoctoral Fellowship that enhances the well-being of Māori mothers and babies.
“As a Māori māmā who has experienced both ends of the health spectrum, as a service user and health professional, I have a responsibility to my people to ensure my research will have a meaningful impact and contribute to improved health gains,” Barret said.
Her new study titled ‘Tino rangatiratanga through kaupapa Māori pregnancy and parenting solutions’, focused on kaupapa Māori pregnancy and parenting initiatives to understand mechanisms and measures, and to provide meaningful and transformational change for Māori pregnant women and their families.