Healthy Eating Health Action Maori Research Capability

1
Healthy Eating Health ActionMaori Research
Capability

• Presentation to the HEHA Research Hui and
  Symposium,
• Health Sponsorship Council
• June 2006
• Professor Chris Cunningham
• Massey University

2
Purpose of Presentation

• Discuss/present frameworks and approaches for
  research
• Discuss (capacity and) capability issues

3
What is Maori Research?

• Research which contributes positively to Maori
  development
• Research which validates Maori ways of being and
  doing
• Research under Maori control
• Research by Maori, for Maori
• Research which supports matauranga, mohiotanga
  and maramatanga

4
Frameworks for Research

• Taxonomy for Research
• Cunningham Pacific Health Dialog

5
Kaupapa Maori Research

• Smith (2) Moewaka Barnes Cram Reid Durie
  Cunningham Bishop, Bevan-Brown, Mataira, et. al
• Research (Smith, 1998)
• Is viewed with suspicion by Maori,
• is implicated in the process of colonisation and
• Can grow out of dissatisfaction with prevailing
  methodologies.
• being Maori-ordinary (Moewaka-Barnes, 2002)
• the research should aim to make a positive
  difference (Smith, 1999) the use, usefulness and
  ownership of the research are of paramount
  importance

6
Graham Smith

• Contends that kaupapa Maori research 
• is related to being Maori 
• is related to Maori values and principles 
• takes for granted the value and legitimacy of
  Maori, the importance of Maori language and
  culture and 
• is concerned with 'the struggle for autonomy over
  our own culture and well-being
• Inclusive definition, not ignorant of modern
  methods and techniques

7
Kaupapa Maori Research Framework

• Aroha ki te tangata (respect for people)
• Kanohi kitea (the seen face)
• Titiro, whakarongo...korero
• Manaaki ki te tangata (share/host be generous)
• Kia tupato (be cautious)
• Kaua e takahia te mana (do not trample)
• Kaua e mahaki (do not flaunt your knowledge)
• (Smith, 1998)

8
Research at the Interface

• Combination methodologies, driven by a Maori
  research agenda
• Maori and mainstreaam approaches are not
  incompatible
• Maori researchers trained in a range of
  disciplines
• Insulin Resistance Maori
• Maori Health Exercise Science (Stannard
  Cunningham, 2006)

9
He Kainga Oranga

• Housing Health Research Programme
• Use of a natural experiment
• Insulation community based methods
• Integration of building science, respiratory
  health and Maori health
• Community control and participation
• Maori leadership at all levels

10
Learnings

• Application of Maori analytical frameworks
• Involvement of a broad research team
• Options for Maori respondents
• Opportunities for te reo me ona tikanga Maori to
  be applied
• Partnered research using a negotiated
  relationship
• Analytical issues whanau ethnicity heredity
  stories data storage/archiving

11
Messages

• There are a range of approaches and it is
  important to locate your research
• Kaupapa Maori principles are both practical and
  important
• Kaupapa Maori research is developing, but
  considerable expertise exists
• Research at the interface can be an effective
  strategy

12
Capacity Capability

• Capacity human resource
• Capability research methodology, people and
  funds/resources

13
Capacity

• Research location is important
• Characterise Maori research workforce
• Growing in number and skill
• Investment in training
• Benefitting from mentoring and partnering models
• Non-Maori can contribute to training agenda

14
Capability

• Research methodology
• People
• Funding/resources
• Interaction with respondents is different
• Explanatory power for Maori means significant
  samples sizes comparisons?
• Intra-ethnic differences are as important and
  interesting as inter-ethnic differences
• Funding needs to recognise this different
  approach

15
Closing Messages

• Health and Hauora are not the same
• More ways than one to research
• Control should be addresed/compromises clear
• Declaring the location is important
• Capitalising on the investment in research
  training
• People and resources
• Setting priorities