Lay summary
I am a Maori physiotherapist with an interest in addressing ethnic inequalities in health and promoting use of traditional Maori health practices. I have a deep commitment to Maori health development and pursuing a career as a Maori health researcher. I am currently completing a Masters in Public Health exploring predictors of academic success for Maori students in tertiary health programmes. The proposed kaupapa Maori research project aims to identify factors that influence Maori participation in traditional Maori health practices through focus groups, wananga and iwi data analysis. The research will develop distinctly Maori innovative resources that capture and enhance the creative potential of rongoa Maori. A sustainable and innovative rongoa Maori model will also be developed. The research findings will inform evidence-based policy and interventions to contribute to the development of traditional Maori health practices that are sustainable and meet current and future needs, and thereby improve Maori health outcomes.