Lay summary
Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant death and long-term health challenges in New Zealand and whānau Māori experience higher preterm birth rates and poorer outcomes than non-Māori. These inequities reflect the lack of integration of Māori perspectives and experiences into evidence that shapes policy, guidelines, and clinical trials.
This project will review existing evidence and engage with whānau Māori, Māori clinicians, and Māori researchers to understand Māori experiences and priorities, and Māori participation in preterm birth research. Culturally relevant health resources will be co-designed to strengthen health literacy, support preterm birth prevention, early recognition, help seeking, and prepare whānau Māori for pregnancy transfer and neonatal pathways. Key partnerships with The Carosika Collaborative and PLATIPUS study will enable implementation of evidence into practice in the medium term.
The project will actively support Māori workforce development, including postgraduate training opportunities, mentoring, and leadership pathways within perinatal and clinical trials research.