Māori health researchers from throughout New Zealand will gather at the biennial Hui Whakapiripiri in Auckland on 9 and 10 July to discuss the latest research to improve health outcomes for Māori.
Hui Whakapiripiri 2014 is hosted by the HRC to give those involved in Māori health research the opportunity to collectively share and discuss their research findings. It will be held at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre in Mt Wellington, Auckland.
The theme of this year’s hui is Research aspiration, inspiration, innovation – Ma te ara auaha he kauanuanu te oranga a te tangata.
“While negative health statistics continue to dominate the headlines, we know that Māori health researchers are undertaking excellent work to improve Māori health outcomes. Hui Whakapiripiri 2014 will have a particular focus on positive approaches and successful outcomes, and on research that identifies future potential,” says Rachel Brown, the HRC’s Māori Health Research Manager.
The keynote speakers for this year’s Hui Whakapiripiri include New Zealander of the Year 2014 Dr Lance O’Sullivan (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Hau, Ngāti Maru) at Te Kohanga Whakaora; Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Waikato, Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, CNZM (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou); international guest Dr Chelsea Bond, Senior Lecturer with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit at the University of Queensland, Australia; and women’s health specialist Associate Professor Beverley Lawton, ONZM (Ngāti Porou) from the University of Otago, Wellington.
The programme for Hui Whakapiripiri features a diverse range of Māori health-related topics. (See http://hui.hrc.govt.nz/programme for the full programme.) The following are a selection of some of the abstract presentations that will feature at the hui:
- Dr Issac Warbrick (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāpuhi), Massey University, will discuss if ‘weight’ is a true measure of ‘health’ in Māori men, and if there are more culturally relevant ways to assess the success of health interventions.
- Mr David Patterson (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngai te Rangi) from the University of Auckland will explore the relationships between urban design, mental health and Māori. He will discuss how the city might be better designed for people in a state of mental distress.
- Dr Sue Crengle (Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha), Waitemata District Health Board, and Dr Terryanne Clark (Ngāpuhi), the University of Auckland, will report on trends in major health and wellbeing indicators for Māori youth in secondary schools between 2001 and 2012.
- Ms Moe Milne (Ngāti Hine), Te Moemoea, and Professor Khyla Russell (Ngāi Tahu), Otago Polytechnic, will explore Māori views on biobanking and genomic research (i.e., the use of human tissue to help understand disease processes and responses to treatments).
- Dr Nina Scott (Ngāti Whatua, Waikato), Waikato District Health Board, will give a brief overview of why prostate cancer screening for Māori men is a catch-22 situation, and trace recent progress on cancer control actions for Māori prostate cancer.
Mr Trevor Clark (Tainui), Massey University, will identify how retiring from rugby league impacts upon the health and wellbeing of both elite and non-elite Māori players. The health status of retired players from across different timeframes will be examined to determine the presence of disease, physiological condition and psychological wellbeing.
HRC Board Chair Sir Robert Stewart, KNZM, who will open Hui Whakapiripiri 2014, says that these hui have always been characterised by innovative health research, lively debate, and a commitment to improving Māori health outcomes.
“We want to ensure the Māori health research community continues to have opportunities such as Hui Whakapiripiri to present their findings, bring key issues to the fore, and develop collaborative relationships that will outlast any research project,” says Sir Robert.
Hui Whakapiripiri 2014 has been made possible with the generous support of its sponsors: the University of Otago, Whakauae Research for Māori Health and Development, PHARMAC Te Whaioranga, and Te Rau Matatini Ltd.
A pre-hui workshop focusing on writing funding proposals will take place on 8 July for hui participants.
To find out more about Hui Whakapiripiri, go to http://hui.hrc.govt.nz.