Lay summary
During our research consultations in Te Wairoa about an expanded maternal health pathway to improve infant and whānau (Māori family) health and wellbeing, the issue of methamphetamine (‘P’) use in the community was often raised. As a result, we have partnered with Ngāti Pāhauwera to understand more about the impact of P on babies and young children in Te Wairoa and to work with the community to co-design awareness raising activities and P harm reduction strategies. This extension of our research commitment to Te Wairoa is within the scope of our research expertise in maternal and child health. We have also networked with other experts to inform our understanding of methamphetamine harm for babies and children, and rural communities more generally. Our focus on babies and children will enable constructive, strength-based conversations that reach across the community to inform potential interventions to protect the health of the next generation.