Aukaha News

Introduction/ /Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global epidemic, with Māori disproportionately impacted. Māori experience higher rates of diagnosis, complications, and mortality compared to non-Māori, influenced by historical trauma, systemic racism, socioeconomic inequities, limited healthcare access and ineffective communication. Communication and education grounded in cultural sensitivity are fundamental to reducing inequities. This study explored the perspectives of healthcare providers in providing diabetes care for Māori with T2D in the Ngāruawāhia region. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted between Aug-Oct 2024 with nine clinicians (6 Māori, 3 NZ European): a general practitioner, podiatrist, exercise physiologist, three kaiāwhina, dietitian, pharmacist, and pharmacist prescriber. Participant recruitment involved purposive sampling to ensure representation across different disciplines, reflecting the systemic nature and complexities of T2D care. Interviews were analysed using Kaupapa Māori inductive thematic analysis. Results/Outcomes: Key themes emerged including using patient-centered communication empowering language, the role of whānau and community, interprofessional collaboration, and the use of culturally-relevant narratives and language. Clinicians described effective use of metaphors and storytelling, drawing on everyday experiences and Māori cultural concepts. Additionally, normalising discussions around diabetes played a vital role in reducing stigma and fostering a non-judgemental and supportive environment. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into successful communication strategies for healthcare professionals working with Māori with T2D. Widespread adoption of these strategies will likely lead to greater holistic and more culturally-responsive care, which is important to address current disparities for Māori with T2D.

Introduction/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) inequitably impacts Māori. The cornerstone of managing T2D is education to empower whānau to self-manage their food (kai), medication (rōngoa), and movement (korikori tinana). This study explores perspectives of Māori with T2D on the effectiveness and cultural appropriateness of current diabetes rauemi (educational resources). Methods: Qualitative methodologies were utilised, with two focus groups recruited through snowball sampling from a diabetes hapōri (community) group in a semi-rural Waikato town. Participants were Māori (n=6) and Cook Island Māori (n=1), aged 35-44 years, 2 males, 5 females. Discussions involved a critical analysis of existing rauemi (print, video, websites) in Aotearoa. Participants engaged in open discussion and provided suggestions on how to improve the rauemi. Data analysis utilised Kaupapa Māori inductive thematic analysis applying a strength-based approach. Results/Outcomes - Two overarching themes emerged: Mātauranga (knowledge) and whānau Aspirations. Mātauranga emphasised the demand for improved diabetes education, highlighting perceived gaps in patient and whānau knowledge, accessibility to resources, and the importance of pono (honesty) in the design and delivery of educational materials. Whānau aspirations underscored the significance of intergenerational knowledge transfer, cultural identity expression, and a whānau-centred approach to care. Conclusions - This study highlights the importance of incorporating mātauranga and whānau in rauemi for Māori with T2D. This approach will likely improve outcomes for Māori with T2D and aligns with the values of whakapapa (relationality and kaitiakitanga (guardianship), ensuring that current health interventions contribute to the long-term well-being of future generations.

Te Karere

Tom is the kaumātua for the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House Charitable Trust

Invited as Keynote speaker in reference to the conference theme on "Picture books". By presenting the narratives of our University Wharenui ,Te Aoi Hurihuri is my peoples reality of a Picture book.

Supported by key partners, from throughout the University including our Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori, Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai, our Pou Tūhono, Whetū Taukamo and our Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Keaka Hemi, our vision for the Library was bought to life through an unveiling ceremony on Kīngitanga Day, 12th September 2024. The journey we went through to be gifted this name included a process of gathering insights from students, Library staff, University of Waikato researchers and lecturers, and wider Library community members to understand their experiences with our service over the years. The renaming of the Library from Te Whare Pukapuka to Te Iho o Te Manawataki signifies more than a rebrand or change in sign, it is an acknowledgement of the journey we have been on over the last three years an our commitment to becoming an inclusive, anti-racist and diverse Library that is reflective of all the communities we serve. We are profoundly grateful to Professor Tom Roa, whose generosity and vision have enabled this momentous occasion. Whakamāoritanga - Translation Te Iho o Te Manawataki encapsulates our core mission: to serve as the beating heart of the University. Te Iho = the essence Manawataki = rhythm, beat This name breathes life into our vision of the Library as a dynamic hub, where knowledge, ideas and people connect and flourish. Knowledge grows, not by containment, but by use. The Library is a living organism: it is never finished, forever changing and adapting. We continue to forge new pathways ahead, foster an environment that values difference and diversity, promote and maintain an inclusive, anti-racist and supportive Library. We will be the Library that is at the heart of the whole community: Ko Te Tangata, For The People.

Exhibition of photographs from Ki Te Kapu O Taku Ringa - In The Palm of My Hand. Opening event gathered more than 50 attendees and Museum has registered a high number of visitors

The matehuka.info website is a comprehensive, user-friendly, and culturally relevant online platform dedicated to Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) education, co-designed by and for the Ngaaruawaahia community in Aotearoa. It fills a critical gap, as New Zealand previously lacked a specific website tailored for Māori with Mate Huka, unlike other indigenous nations. The website's importance lies in its ability to inform and empower Māori with engaging content that includes personal stories, cultural well-being (hauora), medical information, comics, and a rich repository of existing resources. It deeply resonates with Māori worldviews, integrating elements like Maatauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge), Te Reo Māori (Māori language), and traditional practices, thereby enhancing health literacy, cultural affirmation, and self-management capabilities for individuals and their whaanau. A significant indicator of its impact is its reach beyond Aotearoa. Website analytics confirm that it is being used in different countries, including America, Greece, Australia, Russia, Canada, and the UK, demonstrating its broad applicability and relevance as a model for culturally responsive health education globally.

Kingi Tāwhiao’s famous pōtae, his hat, put the King Country on the map. On Monday, about 300 local educators learned exactly how Te Rohe Pōtae got its name. They also discovered how settlers named Pirongia without understanding the term’s smelly true meaning in te reo Māori, and the ancient Tahitian origins of the word Te Nehenehenui: “ancient and beautiful”. The source of this historical journey was Waikato University professor Tom Roa; the overall theme was the early history of the Kīngitanga and its close connections to Maniapoto.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga podcast

RNZ Summer Weekends