Lay summary
With an increasing focus from research funders on the inclusion of Māori perspectives and expertise, Tū Kotahi is continually sought as a research partner. Since 2020, they have had approaches for research collaboration from the Universities of Auckland, Massey, Victoria and Otago, as well as MRINZ and ESR, predominantly on projects that Tū Kotahi see as of great value for Māori communities. Cultural obligations are important to Tū Kotahi; it can be difficult to decline such requests as it feels like saying no to your own. But Tū Kotahi currently turn down one in three requests because they do not have the researcher capacity. This placement would support the continued career development of an emerging researcher with 15 years’ experience in public health policy and a background as a child health advocate for UNICEF who has just started their transition to a career in Māori health research.