Lay summary
The research activation focuses on the development of a Kaitiaki Research Group and has the potential to inform and guide how health delivery research priorities and engagement are delivered within the Southern Health system to meet the health care needs of the community over the next 12 months. The Aotearoa health system is undergoing significant transformational change. All too often health delivery research priorities are determined in isolation from the communities in which the research is carried out. Currently the Southern Health system has no process or forum where research priorities can be determined collaboratively with the community. The formation of a Kaitiaki research group provides a unique opportunity to inform and promote changes and priorities directly in response to health needs.