The HRC established the Catalyst in the Community Award in 2025. It recognises an individual or research team whose recent research has supported local, transformative, and cross-disciplinary research in health for any specific community in New Zealand, in partnership with that community, over a 5-year period.
The award honours an exceptional researcher or research team that has facilitated significant change or accelerated translation and uptake of findings to produce a significant impact locally in the community, bringing about transformation of health outcomes. For the purposes of this award, a community is defined as any population group, or representatives of that group, who are seeking to improve health outcomes for their population through health research. The award is for a specific body of high-impact collaborative work, in partnership with a local community, that goes beyond academia.
Catalyst in the Community Award - past recipients
2025 (Inaugural award) - The research team from Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou Taurite Tū Limited, whose Taurite Tū programme, a uniquely Māori approach to falls prevention rooted in both western science and traditional Māori practices, has significantly reduced falls risk and injury rates for Māori aged 55-plus.
About the Catalyst in the Community Award design
The design for the Catalyst in the Community Award embodies themes of transformation, community and the acceleration of positive change. It reflects how collaborative, cross-disciplinary research can act as a catalyst, driving impact and lasting outcomes for local communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Central to the design is the haehae ring with interwoven tāniko designs that represent connection but also the movement of change. On the outside of that features an outer ring with the unaunahi motifs. Traditionally representing fish scales, here they speak to whakapapa and interconnection, while also evoking the flowing waters of rivers – a metaphor for the resilience, vitality and ongoing momentum with hapori.
Framing the design are tāniko patterns, signifying both the enduring legacy of transformative work and the collective strength of community support. Together these elements embody the catalyst effect – accelerating change, weaving together people and knowledge, and strengthening health outcomes through genuine partnership.