National Diabetes Research Strategy

A partnership between the HRC and the Ministry of Health, the first priority of the National Diabetes Research Strategy (NDRS) was the development of a community-based diabetes intervention that would reduce the incidence and impact of diabetes in high-risk communities. The primary focus of the research project funded was to demonstrate the most effective and affordable means of achieving this in the New Zealand community setting, with a particular focus on high-risk populations.

The project funded was Te Wai o Rona, a diabetes prevention strategy run through the University of Auckland. Te Wai o Rona, a partnership between Maori, health workers and researchers was designed to demonstrate a significant reduction in diabetes incidence in Maori over three years. The delivery of the intervention was through marae, community and health-provider groups in order to establish community-based access to diabetes education, exercise and nutrition groups.

One of the strengths of the research was the formation of strategic partnerships between the HRC, the Ministry of Health and the District Health Boards for both the Waikato and Lakes District, enabling resources to be pooled and increasing the value of the research.

HRC Contact: 
Sharon McCook
Email: smccook@hrc.govt.nz

Last Updated : 05 November 2007 12:08:18.
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