Lay summary
This study aims to present an indigenous autoethnographic understanding of the lived experience as whānau Māori representing a donor whānau and the factors influencing the perceptions, process and acceptance of organ donation to better inform future practice that is culturally competent, responsive and safe for Māori organ donors and recipients. I also plan to undertake Kaupapa Māori qualitative research with up to 20 Māori participants who have either represented the donor whānau or recipient whānau to better understand the process from a Te Ao Māori perspective and create further knowledge and understanding to some of the assumptions and findings of previous research studies to influence policies and practices relating to organ donation processes. I have participated in research at University of Auckland over the past 17 years, completing my MHSc researching the neurobehaviour of Māori versus non-Māori babies exposed to methamphetamine. I recently undertook qualitative research with whānau Māori with babies at risk of hypoglycaemia.