Lay summary
Our objective is to determine how Rongoa Maori can prevent the emergence and progression of metabolic illnesses like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. These metabolic illnesses affect Maori disproportionately. Anecdotal evidence is that contemporary use of traditional foods and Rongoa for the management of metabolic disease is possible, but detailed investigations of the modes and efficacy of these
traditional resources is fragmented, and knowledge within the community of these uses are limited. Methodology includes literature review and comparative analysis, community educational delivery, bioactives research, and primary [qualitative and quantitative] research, working with participants and rangatahi within our rural Maori community. The impact of this study is to improve the health of, and prevent the onset of these diseases among whanau, and in particular, rangatahi, and to enhance the evidence and knowledge base for the use of traditional resources for improved wellbeing within [in particular] the Maori population.