Lay summary
Rangatahi Māori and tangata whaikaha Māori are pivotal in the transformation of hearing and vision healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand. As we reflect on Rangatahi Māori positions as mokopuna and tūpuna within the never-ending ancestral lines of Te Ao Māori, we realise their strengths and responsibilities as knowledge holders and wayfinders. The postdoctoral fellowship aims to transform existing hearing and vision health research and healthcare through rangatahi Māori (including tangata whaikaha rangatahi Māori) self-determination and mana motuhake of health and disability research and services. Rangatahi Māori interactions within this fellowship will support and inform Kaupapa Māori epidemiology research, Māori data sovereignty and the development of a scoping vision and hearing protocol driven by, with, and for rangatahi Māori. This extends opportunities for rangatahi Māori to develop Māori hearing and vision health knowledge and Kaupapa Māori research skills, as well as realise their leadership capacity to influence change in healthcare systems.