Lay summary
This postdoctoral fellowship will involve a programme of Māori community-based health research that seeks a deeper understanding of how to enhance wellbeing outcomes for tamariki Māori and their whānau. The fellowship will involve two studies within the established research programme called Te Kura Mai i Tawhiti. Building on earlier research on kaupapa Māori early years provision (KM-EYP), the first study within the fellowship is a multi-site longitudinal study and will generate evidence for the effectiveness of culturally enriching KM-EYP. The second project will explore the construct of whakamā in the context of KM-EYP and the potential for whānau to achieve hākoakoa (Māori health, wellbeing and success) when provided with culturally-relevant support to address whakamā. Both studies will contribute to demonstrating how kaupapa Māori understandings and approaches can make a difference for Māori health and wellbeing at the start of life and through the lifecourse, with the potential to transform communities.