Hui Drives Strategic Direction Of Health Research

Hui To Drive Strategic Direction Of Health Research Commitment For Māori

One of the most significant health events for Māori takes place this week in Rotorua, Hui Whakapiripiri 2010, hosted by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) is being held on 8 – 9 July.

The theme of the Hui is Hangaia to whare korero ma nga pou rangahau e tu - Building your house of learning. This theme refers to Nga Pou Rangahau - The HRC's Strategic Plan for Māori Health Research 2010 - 2015, to be presented at this hui, and the significance of this strategy in strengthening the relationship between Māori communities and the health sector, will be presented by Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith.

Key leaders in Māori health research, Professor Sir Mason Durie, Professor Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, Moana Jackson and Associate Professor Helen Moewaka Barnes as well as the Hon. Tariana Turia, are the keynote speakers and will touch on the four strands of the conference theme; creativity in health research, consent, consultation and community health research. The theme encourages collaboration, understanding and learning between the various levels of the health sector and Māori communities, taking into account Māori community aspirations and culturally sensitive issues. As well, it has a focus on creative and innovative health research and health service provision for the benefit of Māori and Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Over 40 Māori presenters will share their knowledge, experiences and findings at the hui, including -

• Moe Milne, Dr Khyla Russell and Maui Hudson, will present their research project Te Hau

Mihi Ata, which explores how to improve the connection between matauranga Māori and science. The research was based on a series of hui focused on a different or new emerging science technology, and the topics included; the use of embryos in research; the use of brain tissue in research; and future foods

• Dr Lis Ellison-Loschmann, renowned for her research in ethnic disparities in asthma and cancer healthcare, will present her study investigating the role that demopgrahic and tumour factors play in explaining ethnic inequalities in breast cancer survival.

• ‘Up and coming’ researcher Melanie Cheung, recognised for her PhD Māori Scholarship study on neurodegenerative disease and the implications of the ethical and cultural challenges of her research, with Professor Richard Faull, presents her study, Weaving together Māori and Scientific ways of Knowing and Being to Study Neurodegeneration.

Over 200 participants are registered to attend, which will include emerging researchers, students, academics, policy makers and representatives from community based organisations, hapū and iwi.

Programme details, keynote speakers and presenter information is available on the Hui Whakapiripiri website - http://hui.hrc.govt.nz/

ENDS

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